R. Grayson Mills Sr.

A proud member of the Masons, Grayson joined the organization in 1952, just three years after he graduated as the valedictorian of University High School in Columbia, S.C., where he also played basketball.

He and Myra Driggers were married July 17, 1955.

Grayson was an outgoing and friendly man, who loved to strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a kind and gentle man who showed patience to all. He loved people, always looking to help others, but mostly he was a man who fiercely loved his family and would do anything for them.

Grayson loved to joke and have a good time. He was famous in his family for his sense of humor.

A patriotic man, Grayson served in the Air National Guard and was on active duty with the Air Force during the Korean War. Grayson worked for Chevron for 26 years, and was a member of Tucker First United Methodist Church.

Grayson was born June 3, 1931, in Columbia, S.C., to William Clarance Mills Sr. and Jennie Ruth Gordon Mills.

Grayson is survived by his wife, Myra; daughters, Grace Lynn Peery and husband, John, Louise McKillop and husband, Jim; and son, Rodney Grayson Mills Jr.; grandchildren, Adam Shaw and wife, Angela, and Kristin Peery; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Parker, and Emma Shaw; sister, Hermie Wactor. He was predeceased by brothers, Clarance and Earl Mills; half-sisters, Clarice Senn and Evelyn Summers; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.