Theodore "Ted" W. Mills

Ted was born in Soddy, to the late Reese and Margaret Mills. He was the class President of the 1940 graduating class of Soddy Daisy High School. Upon graduation from high school, Ted attempted to find a job. Unable to do so, he enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and traveled to the state of Washington, to build roads and fight forest fires.

Ted’s military service began in May, 1943, in the United States Army and was called for overseas duty in September, 1944. He served in Ardennes, Rhineland, Normandy and fought during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Bronze Star recipient for meritorious service while serving our country during World War II.

After returning from World War II, Ted graduated from the University of Chattanooga and received his Master’s Degree in Banking at Rutgers University in New Jersey in 1962. Being a banker, Ted was involved in various community causes, The United Way, Regional Health Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Armed Forces Day, and was past President of Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. He helped start the Chattanooga Food Bank and FACES. He retired as Senior Vice President from American National Bank after a long career.

He and his wife were very active members of First Presbyterian Church. In later years, Ted and Mary Alice were inducted into the Soddy Daisy’s Hall of Fame.

After his retirement Ted and his wife became involved in several activities mainly pertaining to their interest in roses. He was a member and past President of the American Rose Society of Chattanooga and served as President of the South East Association of the American Rose Society. Locally, a rose garden was established in Soddy-Daisy’s Veterans Park and was named for the couple. Ted was the inventor for the Mills Magic Rose Fertilizer.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mary Alice Clift Mills; and five siblings, Harry Mills, Wallace Mills, Jane Posey, Grace Koda, and James Mills.

Ted is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, January 2, and 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life of service for Ted will follow at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, at the North Chapel with his Pastor Chris Ehlers officiating. Burial will follow in National Cemetery.

The family would like to extend much gratitude and appreciation to Rachel Ricketts for all of her loving support and faithful caregiving of Ted over the past several years, and my nephew, Buck Johnson, who seems as a brother, has been a great help.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ted’s name to First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.