Joe Mills

Joe Lee Mills, 80, of Kannapolis, died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at his home after a period of declining health. Born June 24, 1937 in Chesterfield County S.C., Joe was a son of the late David Lee and Carrie Jordan Mills. Joe was a member of Piedmont Baptist Church in Kannapolis. He worked for many years for Cannon Mills as a loom fixer and ran an automotive repair shop with his son, Joel. He will be remembered as a hard worker, for his love of hunting, fishing and operating heavy equipment. He especially loved fishing in his private pond, where he enjoyed cleaning and cooking what he caught. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Joe will be dearly missed. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded death by eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bernice Gulledge Mills of the home; his son, Joel Mills (Brandy) of Kannapolis; his eight grandchildren; Jamie Wiedeman (Kevin) of Burton MI, Mandy Rappe (BJ) of Concord, Stacey, Kelly, Joe and Joel Mills and Bailey Baucom and Gracie James all of Kannapolis; his four great-grandchildren, Addison, Cullen, Charlotte and Landon; and his sister, Essie Wallace of Pageland, S.C. Visitation and Service: His funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Piedmont Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. His family will receive friends at the Whitley's Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 9. Joe's family wishes to thank Billy and Nikki Burris for all their love and support of Joe and the family during this time. Memorials: Memorial donations may be sent to Hospice and palliative care of Cabarrus Co. 5003 Hospice Ln. Kannapolis, NC 28081. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.