Mr. James Edward "Ed" Mills Sr.

Mr. James Edward Mills Sr., 91, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at his residence. James, affectionately known as "Ed", was born on September 19th, 1934, in New Market, Tennessee, to the late Ruth and Monroe Mills.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Mrs. Shirley "Jeanie" Mills. He leaves behind his children: James "Eddie" Mills Jr. (Shirley), Debra Harden (Tommy), Carolyn Mills (Shawn DeRock), Billy Ray Mills (Kori), and Sherryl Duryea. His memory will also be cherished by his 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. Ed is also survived by his brothers, Johnny Mills and Bobby Mills, and his sisters, Wanda and Joyce.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Grace Mills, who passed away in 2007, who was the mother of his children; as well as his son David Mills, and siblings Orville Mills, Evelyn Kooch, and a baby brother, Billy Mills.

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he met his first wife, Grace, while stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia.

He dedicated nearly 40 years of his life as a skilled instrument technician and engineer at Columbia Nitrogen and DSM Chemicals. He had an ability to fix anything, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Ed was a man of faith who enjoyed attending Sweetwater Baptist Church. He loved music, especially Honky Tonk music. Family, especially the grandkids, always remember him playing the guitar during cookouts and family gatherings. Above all, Ed loved his family more than anything.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 beginning at 1 o'clock in the afternoon in the chapel of Hatcher Funeral Home, 3464 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, South Carolina. Interment will follow in Pineview Memorial Gardens in North Augusta, South Carolina. Pallbearers will be Adam Mills, Steven Duryea, Seth Sarbin, Ian Sarbin, Justin Carey, and Cody Hynes.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, by visiting woundedwarrierproject.org