James Lawrence Mills

Reverend James Lawrence Mills “Faithful Servant of God” Reverend James Lawrence Mills, 94, of Waynesville, NC went to be with the Lord on September 19, 2016. He was born in Haywood County on October 3, 1921 to the late William Shuford and Rosie Mae Williams Mills. James was a US Army Veteran serving in WWII receiving numerous awards and medals. He was a member of Rocky Branch Freewill Baptist Church. He ministered for many years at various churches throughout Western North Carolina. He also worked and retired from Massey Ferguson Tractor Company. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Edna Louise Wyatt Mills; infant son, James Travis Mills; granddaughter, Heidi Nichole Caldwell; and two sisters, Mary Jane Riley and Ethel Gertrude Ruff. Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, Shufford Mills and his wife, Myrtle of Waynesville, Steve Mills of Clyde, Peggy Ociepka of Okeechobee, FL and Patsy Mitchell and her husband, Doug of Waynesville; four grandchildren, Lynn Caldwell, Johnny Mills, Cindy Poole, and Angie Miller; eight great grandchildren, Faith and Cameron Caldwell, Karla, Jacob, and James Mills, Tori, Taylor, and Ashton Poole. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, September 22, 2016 in the Chapel of Garrett Funeral Home with the Reverend Jerry Nelson Officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at funeral home. Burial will follow services at Rocky Branch Cemetery. A Message of comfort may be left to the family and guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com