Tim McCoy Millis

SNEADS FERRY – Tim McCoy Millis, 93, of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina passed away on October 26, 2025, at New Hanover Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 1:30 PM at New River Community Church. Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

Tim was born on June 3, 1932 in Onslow County, North Carolina to the late Benjamin Millis and Rusha Midgette Millis. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Iris Rochelle Millis and siblings, Joseph, Jimmy, Moses, Ava-Lee, and Judy.

Tim started working in the river at the young age of 8 years old, fishing then later shrimping. He owned and operated shrimp boats from the waters of his native North Carolina to the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys, but his love for Sneads Ferry was always home. Tim started scalloping in the early 80's with a business in Cape Canaveral and Carrabelle, Florida. He loved seeing the trucks coming down the hill to unload and the scallops coming off the viserator to be packed and sold. In 1963, he took over BF Millis and Sons, working alongside his Daddy Ben, his children, and grandchildren. He worked everyday until October 18, 2025.

In 1956 he met Iris Rochelle, whom he shared 64 years of marriage with. They had two children that share his love for the commercial fishing industry. He loved to eat and cookout at the fishhouse, if you were there you were invited and enough food was cooked until everyone ate. Whether is was at the café, creek, or gathering, at his table, you were invited. There were lots of laughter and stories shared. If you couldn't find him on the dock unloading boats, he would be behind the desk with his quick thinking of numbers and taking orders. To know Tim was to love him. Always a smile on his face and positive attitude. He was a devoted Christian, son, husband, Daddy, Papa, friend, and chief to many. He will be so missed but his love will forever be remembered.

He is survived by his children, Nancy Edens (Donnie) and Timmie Millis (Donna), both of Sneads Ferry; grandchildren, Jeremy Edens, Steven Edens (Barbara), Brittany Powell (Mitchell), Daniel Jenkins, Natasha Neben (Jermy); great-grandchildren, Miranda Belifore (Jonathan), Lee Edens (Ivey), Ike and Colby, Gracie, Annie, Julianna, Jadyn, Kobe, and Meadow; great-great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Jolly, Kenly, Easton, Memphis, and soon to be born, Lee, Jr.; sisters, Ruby Trexel and Violet Norris; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the New River Community Church, 117 Wheeler Creek Road, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 or to the FIsherman's Blessing Foundation of Sneads Ferry, 715 Millis Lane, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM.