Dr. Stephen Craig Mills

Dr. Stephen Craig "Doc" Mills, 68, of Carterville, Illinois, passed away on February 6th, 2026, surrounded by his family, following his diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic melanoma.

Stephen was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, where he spent most of his life before moving to Carterville in 1994 after marrying the love of his life, Tracey Shahadey Mills.

Stephen dedicated his life to caring for others professionally, personally, and spiritually. After graduating from Logan Chiropractic College, he worked as a chiropractor, as well as a wellness and nutrition advisor, serving his patients with compassion, patience, and genuine concern for their well-being from 1980 until he was no longer able to practice in October of 2025. To his patients, he was more than a provider. He was a listener, a problem-solver, and an advocate. He cared deeply about others' health and was always striving to offer thoughtful solutions. If he didn't know the answer, he would diligently research until he could find one.

Health and quality of life were central to who Stephen was. He practiced what he believed in, taking his vitamins and supplements faithfully, and committing to daily workouts, where he found both discipline and community in his local gyms. His passion for wellness extended beyond himself. He encouraged those around him to take their health seriously, to seek routine medical care, and to prioritize regular checkups with their doctors and dermatologists. For Stephen, wellness wasn't just about longevity, it was about living fully and intentionally.

Outside of work, Stephen found his greatest joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life. He loved being outdoors, by the pool, working in the yard, or sitting by the fire with Tracey. Travel was a shared passion, especially trips to Mexico, and most recently a memorable journey to Colorado with Tracey, his sister-in-law Wendey, and her fiancé Mike, where they explored the landscape, hiked together, and took in the beauty of the scenery.

Stephen will be remembered as a friendly face, a gracious host, and a loyal friend. Hospitality came naturally to him - if you didn't have a cold drink in your hand when you arrived, you did before he walked away. His happy place was in the ocean or in the pool, surrounded by family and friends, fully present in the moment.

Above all else, Stephen was the ideal role model of what it meant to be a husband, father, Christian, and friend. His three children, Grant, Shea and Brock, had the gift of seeing how a man should love and treat his wife through the devotion, respect, and partnership he shared with Tracey. He provided for his children in every sense of the word, ensuring they always had what they needed and more. His love for his family was steady, generous, and unconditional.

His faith guided his life and his actions. Stephen deeply loved his church family at Cambria Christian Church and lived his Christianity through service, kindness, and care for others. If a friend needed help, he was the first to lend a hand. If someone needed to talk, he was always willing to listen.

Stephen was intentional with people. He made sure to say hello when he entered a room and goodbye when he left. He shook every hand and hugged every person he came into contact with. He had a rare ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and cared for - not through grand gestures, but through genuine presence and warmth.

Stephen's legacy is one of love, faith, generosity, and service. He leaves behind a family who adores him, friends who relied on him, patients whose lives he improved because of him, and a community that is better for having known him.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey Shahadey Mills; and his three kids, Grant (Caroline), Shea, and Brock Mills; mother-in-law, Janice Shahadey; sister-in-law, Wendey (Mike Henn) Shahadey; special nieces, Charlee Kay and Kaylee Norton; and nephew, Lincoln Mills; as well as family pets, Rico, Jack, Kona and Duke. Also surviving are many well-loved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Jeff Wiggs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cambria Christian Church's Kids Camp fund.