W. David "Big Dave" Mills

"Big Dave" Mills joined his beloved wife Maryann in eternal life on February 13, 2026.

Raised in Tucson Arizona by John and Mary Belle Mills, Dave was the oldest of four siblings, Larry Joe (deceased), John (deceased), and Cathy (Hans). He excelled in sports, specifically basketball, standing at a remarkable 6'11" by the time he was 16 years old.

At Salpointe High School, he participated in basketball, track, and cross country. His senior year at Salpointe, he led the state in scoring, and tied for second in the high jump at the State Track Championships. He was 'All City' and 'All State', Salpointe Athlete of the Year, and was inducted into the Salpointe Sports Hall of Fame. He was offered a track scholarship to both UCLA and Oregon, but was visited by legendary Coach Ray Meyer as a junior in high school for basketball. Coach Ray arranged for him to travel to Chicago to work in the meat packing district during the summers before attending DePaul on a full scholarship in 1962. It was there that he met the love of his life in the 'Alumni Room'.

He went on to set two NCAA Tournament Records in 1965 for highest field goal percentage for a single game, 9 for 10, and 16 for 21 in the tournament. His all time NCAA Tournament field goal percentage is 76.2% right behind Bill Walton. He was inducted into the DePaul Hall of Fame in 1993, is a member of the 'Depaul Legends', and was inducted into the Pima County Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Big Dave was drafted in the 7th round to the Baltimore Bullets in 1966, then chose to play overseas in Bologna, Italy. He and 'Mrs. Mills', as he affectionately called her, were married on December 26th 1966 while he was home for Christmas break, then travelled back to Italy to finish out his Italian playing career. After a very successful year, leading his team in field goal percentage and traveling all over Europe, they returned to Chicago.

Shortly thereafter, he was contacted by the Commissioner of the ABA, George Mikan who offered him a position as the starting center on the Minnesota Muskies. While attending training camp, Big Dave decided he did not want to play basketball, but wanted to become a lawyer. He and Mrs. Mills left in the middle of the night, calling Mr. Mikan from the airport and declining the offer. He then headed straight for DePaul Law School.

Dave and Maryann spent 53 beautiful years together, welcoming three children; Michael (Saundra), David (Rainy), and Marisa. Even while working as an attorney until the age of 79, he never missed a game or a performance, a concert or a dinner with his family. There was not a moment he wasn't there for.

The greatest joy of his life came with the birth of his granddaughters. Being 'Nonno' to Gia, born in 2005 and Kirianna in 2016, was undoubtedly his most cherished role. The extraordinary connection they shared was truly remarkable.

Big Dave created an incredible life filled with love and laughter, for himself and his family. He overcame every obstacle he faced with fierce determination and unwavering integrity. The story of his life will live on in the legacy he has built for his children, grandchildren, and everyone who loved him.

Big Dave was an inspiration and a hero to all of us. He often referred to himself as 'The luckiest Nonno', but it was us who were the lucky ones. His love was profound and his heart was pure. He is deeply cherished and will forever be remembered as the very best there ever was.