Joe Dudley Mills

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 The Lord called Joe Dudley Mills home. He went peacefully at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife Christine Moody-Mills and her children, Keith (Tammy), Elaine (Ron), Kirk, Craig (Lisa), Sandy (Frank); his sister Virginia Chapman, preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Hilda Mae. Joe’s four loving children are Kenneth Stanley and his wife Margaret (Miff), Joe Dudley Jr, Kathleen Denise and her husband Charles Lee Newlin Jr, James Howard, and dear family member Toshiko Shimabuku. His pride and joy were six grandchildren (Lori, Amy, Kristin, Jason, Darren, and Stanley (Yasushi)) and 11 great-grandchildren (Nicholas, Christopher, Olivia, Jackson, Ava, Layla, Ella, Madisyn, Blakely, Paxton, Penelope, and Riana). A family man and genealogist, Joe had many cousins and relatives that he kept in contact with over the nine decades of his life. From New Jersey to Florida, Maine to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and California Joe touched so many lives and he knew each family member no matter how distant in every state. Joe was an avid gardener and most at home beautifying his yard and the neighborhood. His other hobbies were reading, stamp and coin collecting. As an amateur photographer and videographer Joe documented our lives in sight and sound with joy and memories we will forever share.

Joe Mills was a Naval Aviator in WWII, a recipient of the Silver Star for heroism, a retired Commander, and true shipmate to all with whom he served. He was an educator, administrator, and leader in the vocational and technical education fields in Florida for over 40 years. A Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa and a Master’s degree from Florida State University, Joe’s career saw him as Director of the Cuban San Julian National Aeronautical School in concert with the University of Tampa, teacher and football coach at Brewster Technical School, Pinellas County Director for Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education, and finally as State Director for Vocational Education for the State of Florida. Joe was recognized many times throughout his career and served as President of the American

Vocational Association, President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and other senior leadership positions in vocational education in the United States.

Joe was a faithful servant of our Lord and lifelong Episcopalian. He served our Lord and the church as Lay Reader, Senior Warden, Choir member, and all-around handyman helping to build and foster the growth of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church (Seminole, FL) and the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Advent (Tallahassee, FL). Joe’s volunteer work was most impressive in the Church and in the community. He was most fond of working with Habitat for Humanity and Advent Parish Day School. His specialty was as a carpenter.

A visitation will be held from 4-6PM on Sunday, December 16th, 2018 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home( 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee).The service will be held at 1PM on Monday, December 17, 2018 at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Piedmont Drive. The interment service is to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Habitat for Humanity and the Advent Parish Day School.