William D. Mills

William Deemer Mills

May 12, 1930 - February 11, 2026

William (Bill) Mills, 95, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. Born May 12, 1930, in Butler, PA, he was the middle child of the late Clyde D. Mills, Sr. and Margaret Krautbauer Mills. Growing up with four siblings, all of the children were given nicknames. Bill's was "Herman" or "Herm" for short.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army and proudly served from 1948-1952, earning the rank of Corporal. After spending time in PA, NJ, and VA, he was deployed to Big Delta, Alaska. After returning home, life took an unusual turn for Bill. From an early age, he loved the game of baseball, listening to the Pittsburgh Pirates on the radio as well as playing the game himself. A friend who marveled at his fast ball nudged Bill to try out for a Minor League team near the Mexico border. Following his dream, he sold his hunting rifle and bought a bus ticket to Harlingen. He joined the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues and earned a starting pitcher position for the Harlingen Capitals, where he played from 1953-1955. When the team folded in 1955, he was offered a transfer to the Midland Baseball Club, which he declined. Bill loved Harlingen and wanted to start the next chapter of his life there. He converted to Catholicism and on April 6, 1955, he married his hometown sweetheart, Virginia (Ginny). He moved her to Harlingen, where they would start a family and remain married for 63 years until Ginny's death in 2018.

Bill started a job at Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. where he worked his way up to become district manager. He dedicated 30 years of service and retired at the young age of 56. He and Ginny loved their retirement years spending time traveling, visiting their children, golfing, gardening and getting together for game nights with their friends.

After Ginny's passing, Bill moved to Dripping Springs to be with his daughter and son-in-law. He loved the outdoors and most days could be found basking in the sunshine accompanied by his loyal companions Cooper and Grace. He loved those dogs. Bill's magnetic personality captivated everyone and he had a gift for always making people feel welcome. He was a source of laughter and joy. Even if he wasn't the one telling the joke, he always had a quick and witty comeback.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia (Tucci) Mills; and two brothers, Robert (Lefty) Mills and Clyde (Cleto) Mills, Jr.

Bill is survived by his only son, David Mills of New Berlin; his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Travis Mussey of Dripping Springs; his sister, Phyllis (Toots) Stirling of Butler, PA; his brother, Kenneth (Butch) Mills of West Chester, PA; one grandson, Dakota Mills; and two great-grandsons, Mickey and Harley Mills; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We find comfort knowing that our father is now reunited with his beloved wife, family members and friends that have gone before him. His journey on earth may have concluded, but his story continues through each life he touched. Rest up that arm Dad, you might be called to pitch.

The family would like to thank Lavender Springs Assisted Living in Dripping Springs for providing a "home away from home" over the last four years. The exceptional care, love and dedication that was demonstrated went above and beyond. We would also like to thank Magnolia Hospice for their additional support and compassion.

Arrangements are with Harrell Funeral Home. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Lavender Springs at a later date. An interment and committal service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."