Leonard Wilson Mills

Services for Leonard Wilson Mills, 89, of Elko, SC will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, SC with the Reverend Jeff Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Burial will follow in the Williston Cemetery with military honors accorded. Leonard passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born on June 12, 1936, in Socastee, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Jack Wilson Mills and Edna Marlowe Mills. Leonard was a faithful member of the Williston Church of Christ. After graduating from Conway High School, he proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. He later attended Coastal Carolina University and the College of Charleston before moving to Williston in 1961 to work for Anderson Oil Company. He served as sales manager and vice president before becoming president of the company in 1984. Leonard married the love of his life, Virginia

Allen Mills, on June 17, 1971.They shared 53 years of marriage, and together raised six children. He cherished his family and played an instrumental role in helping raise his grandchildren. Throughout his life, Leonard was deeply committed to public service and community leadership. He served as mayor of Elko, a member of the Elko Town Council, a member of the Elko Fire Department, president of the Lions Club, and a member of the Agricultural Club. He also served as president of the South Carolina Petroleum Marketers Association and as a director of the BP Oil Marketer Association.

Survivors include his daughters, Paula Lynn Miller of Lexington, Monica Lynn Mills of Eastover, Ginger Renee (Bruce) Dyer of Irmo, and Marylynn (Andy) Rickenbaker of Orangeburg; grandchildren, James Quincy (Brandi) Cooper, Robert Blaine Cooper, Tiffany Paige Rickenbaker, Tina Michelle Rickenbaker, Jessica Ann Floyd, Wesley (Katherine) Osborne, Paige (K.C.) Presler, and Ashley (Will) Howard; his brother, David Mills of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and thirteen beloved great-grandchildren.

Leonard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia Allen Mills; daughters, Sylvia Ann Norris and Janice Marie Rountree Stroud; brothers, Binky Mills, Jerry Mills, and Robert Mills; sisters, Cleopa Glasgow and Annette Mills; and his faithful friend, Rebecca Armstrong.

He also leaves behind many devoted friends, including Cindy and Eddie Terry and Liana Orr, as well as his dedicated caregivers: Megan Owens, Elizabeth Rogers, Priscilla Sanders, Ramona Still, Marie Walker, and Maurice Walker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williston Church of Christ, P.O. Box 255, Williston, SC 29853.