J.D. Mills

J.D. Mills 89, born in McCoy, LA on April 15, 1936, raised in Atlanta, TX and long-time Houma resident, went home to be with his Lord and Savior as the Sun rose on Monday, March 9, 2026 after suffering a brief illness.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 63 years, Joyce Stratton Mills, daughter Leah Mills-MacPherson of Pearland, TX, son James Mills and wife Niccole Keating Mills of Houma, LA, their children, Lauren Rae Mills of Houston, TX, and Stratton Joseph Mills and wife Julianna Stewart Mills of Conroe, TX., brother-in-law Gene Doiron of Houma, LA and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

J.D. was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Bessie Lee Richards Mills, siblings Robert Mills of Texarkana, AR, William "Billy" Mills, Wanda Mills Doiron, Richard Mills and sister-in-law Helen Pellegrin Mills, niece Robyn Doiron and great niece Besse Meryl Mills all of Houma, LA who were, no doubt, all at Heaven's gate to meet J.D..

He had many fond memories of his childhood and many dear friendships, one that he maintained for over 82 years, with his lifetime buddy Mike Laden.

Later on in high school, he was a proud member of the Atlanta (TX) High Rabbits football and basketball teams. Then as a young man, he would quarter mile drag race and from the number of old trophies in the attic, he was apparently very competitive.

For over 10 years, he proudly served our country in the Army National Guard of Louisiana and as A Reserve of The US Army, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.

J.D. would meet the love of his life, Joyce, at First Baptist Church in a singles group marry her August 28, 1962. They were married for over 63 years and had two children, Leah Kay and James Ray.

J.D. was a member of Mulberry Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for many years.

He worked for Shell Oil company for 22 years. Then in retirement came grandbabies that were his ultimate pride and joy, Lauren and Stratton. His heart was big and those grandbabies filled his world!

J.D. was an avid sports and sporting fan. He was the ultimate Astros fan having followed them since their initial Colt .45 days. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and just being outdoors. J.D. had a green thumb. He gardened for years with several other retirees at the property of another of his long time friends, Lou Eschete. He loved nothing more than to deliver those vegetables to family, friends, neighbors and teachers at Mulberry Elementary School. In later years, he spent his leisure time flower gardening at his home.

He spent his life in service of his family, friends, community and country.

J.D. will be deeply missed by so many but we are comforted in the absolute knowledge that J.D. is in Heaven, where we'll see him again one day because as born again Christians, we believe 2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord"

A visitation will be held in his honor on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at Mulberry Baptist Church in Houma, LA.