CPO Thomas Anders "Andy" Mills

Thomas Anders Mills, lovingly known as Andy, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 18, 2018, at Mission Hills Health Care, San Diego, CA. He was the third child born to Virgil and Florence Mills on March 10, 1915, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After high school, Andy showed an interest in the Navy and in 1934 at the age of 18, he decided to join.

After retiring from the Navy in 1945, Andy’s civilian life started in as a waiter at La Jolla Country Club and within ten days he was promoted to “Head Waiter.” Andy met Betty Lloyd in 1949 and they married in 1950. Together they spent many years traveling the world, attending social events and hosting dinner parties until the time of her death in 2006.

In 1951, Andy began working for the United States Postal Service and retired in 1980, after 29 years of service. He made many friends at the Post Office and kept in touch with co-workers for the remainder of his life. in

In his 60’s, Andy learned to go in golf and after retirement, he became quite good at it. He received many trophies and eventually finished second for his age group in a tournament. He played golf until he was 99 years old and found it to be both enjoyable and therapeutic. He liked to entertain and be entertained. Quality time with family and friends was important to Andy. His smile was contagious and would light up any room that he walked into. Andy knew how to work the room….

Through simple pleasures, Andy lived life to the fullest. He loved inviting family and friends over for good food, conversation and cocktails, or a cup of coffee.

While in his 70’s, Andy was still being requested to bartend for private parties which he gladly accepted. He was a great storyteller with a sense of humor. He loved telling good jokes and war stories and could be quite a prankster. He liked music and had an appreciation for jazz. Andy humbly enjoyed sharing his life experiences, never recognizing how brave and heroic his actions or deeds were. His heart and concerns were always about serving others without reserve or complaint. In fact, he was so pure that he would sometimes neglect himself, in order to benefit someone else. Andy was truly his brother’s keeper.

Laughter was a big part of Andy’s personality and he had a true zest for life. He discovered that thru the simplest of pleasures he could touch the fullness of life. One of his sayings was “Just Smiling”. Andy knew that with a smile you could touch someone’s heart. Something so simple, everyone could do it, yet so profound. Andy knew the magical power of a smile.

Andy loved watching good old western movies and knew just about every line of each scene. He watched them daily and each time got a kick out of them because like him, they never grew old. One of his favorite characters was “Chester” on Gunsmoke and the other was “Big Hoss” on Bonanza. He also enjoyed The Virginian, and The Big Valley.

Andy was a man of integrity, always putting others first, especially women and children. Even at 100+ years of age, with cane in hand, he would still attempt to hold the door open for women and children to enter a room or an elevator. He was a true gentleman, a man amongst men. He never lost his graciousness, kindness or respect for others.

Never boastful or braggadocios, his spirit was kind, his love undeniable, and his joy unquenchable.

To Andy life was a very simple...

“Just be beautiful.”

“Have lots of friends because friends are important.”

“Do the best you can and everything will fall in place.”

“If you’re going to do something, do it right.”

Andy is preceded in death by his parents; Virgel and Florence Mills, brothers; Willie Mills, George Mills, James Mills, Herman Mills; sisters; Gilberta Harvey and Bertha Green; and son; Van Johnson.

Survivors include his step-daughter; Carol Howard and his step-granddaughter; Staci Moore, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thank You Father for blessing us with Andrew Mills. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

May his legacy live through us all forever and may he rest in eternal peace.