VIRGINIA BEACH — Raymond Paul Mills, 86, of Virginia Beach, VA passed away peacefully on November 25, 2021. He was born to Laura Ruth Krenski and Paul William Mills of Saint Louis, MO.
He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, hero and mentor to many. He met the love of his life, Joan A. Crocker, while they were in high school and were together for 60 years. After high school he enlisted in the Navy. He once left the Navy and did a short stint as a firefighter in Saint Louis, MO for 2 years. Although he enjoyed firefighting, the Navy kept calling his name and so he re-enlisted. In the mid-sixties he decided to transfer to the Army in order to fulfill his dream of becoming an officer and to provide for his growing family. Between the Navy and Army, he spent over 24 years proudly serving his country. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3) in 1974. After the service he worked in various capacities including diving and salvage, electrical, umpiring, truck driving, and his second career nuclear power quality assurance. He had a knack for tools and never left anything undone.
Ray put his family first, always, and was a dedicated father to six children. He was predeceased by his mother Laura Krenski Mills (2001), brother Casmier Bojorski (1951), wife Joan Alice Mills (2015) and son Mark E. Mills (1973). He is survived by his other five children, Charles R. Mills (Cindy) of Portsmouth, VA, Patrick W. Mills (Tammy) of Providence Forge, VA, Linda M. Dore (Mike) of Virginia Beach, VA, John S. Mills (Sallie) of Mechanicsville, VA, and David B. Mills (Michelle) of Hopewell, VA. Twelve grandchildren Emily Austin (Chris), Angela Leake (Nate), Christina Ooton (Donnie), Heather McCannon (Brandon), Laura Denson (Aaron), Jessika Montoya (Andrew), Becky Mizelle (Josh), David Mills, Jr. (Erin) and Sarah Browning-Mills, Benjamin Mills, Mallory Mills and William Mills. Fourteen great-grandchildren Alonah & Kayla Austin, Julianna Mills, Makayla Denson, Zander & Lily Mills, Alice & Matthew Leake, Ryan & Jackson Mizelle, Donald & Vivian Ooton and Brooks & Raegan Allison. Ray delighted in his gand children and great grandchildren and loved any opportunity to spend time with them.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 beginning with the viewing at 10:00 a.m., followed by a chapel service at 11:00 a.m. at Weymouth Funeral Home located at 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News, VA 23606. Military honors will be presented at the graveside following the services at Hampton Memorial Gardens located at 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666. Reverend Richard Mekdeci will be conducting the service.
The Mills family would like to thank the Hospice staff from Westminster Canterbury for their care, compassion and loving support especially, Dawn, Margaret, Barb, Calle, Mickie and Chaplains Bob & Nick. Much appreciation to the Powers family Michael, Michelle, Aiden, Loralie and Laney.
“God is a forgiving God and he will return.”