James Kenneth Mills

Kenny was born on July 7, 1928 in Newport, Tennessee to the late Jesse Rote Mills and Edith Holt Mills. He graduated from Swannanoa High School in 1946 and graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He began his teaching career at Sharon Elementary in the 8th grade. Many of his years were spent at Quail Hollow Junior High teaching 8th grade science and math. He later retired from teaching in 1982.

In addition to teaching, Kenny had numerous jobs. He also retired from Pineville Post Office and was the score keeper for the Charlotte Coliseum. He retired from the Coliseum after keeping score for the NCAA National Championship Game in 1994.

Kenny served on Pineville Town Council for 19 years. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge Number 79.

Kenny loved spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, and country music, often making his grandchildren listen to his favorite country songs and Paul Harvey on the radio.

He was preceded by death by his parents and two brothers, Carl Eugene Mills and Bill Mills.

Kenny is survived by his wife of more than 67 years, Clara Allen Mills; and two children, Kaye (Pat) Bunn of Spartanburg, SC and Jeff (Denise) Mills of Weddington, NC; five grandchildren, Allen Bunn, Jason (Rebecca) Mills, Addie (James) Thompson, Ryan (Ashley) Mills, and Adam (Caroline) Bunn; four great-grandchildren, Mac and Wilson Mills, Louise Thompson, and Dorothy Mills.

A private service will be held on Saturday, February 27th at Pineville United Methodist Church. Burial will immediately follow the ceremony at Crown Memorial Park with Masonic Rites.

Memorials may be made to Pineville United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.