Fred Willard Mills III

Fred was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was born on June 9, 1949, in Cumberland, Maryland. He spent his early years in Roanoke, Virginia, and Greensboro, North Carolina, with childhood summers at the family cabin, Mozy Inn, in Paw Paw, West Virginia.

Following the loss of his parents and brother in 1964, Fred moved to Seminole, Florida, where he was lovingly raised by his grandparents. He attended Seminole High School and later made the Tampa Bay area his home.

Fred had a generous spirit and a love for the joys of life. He enjoyed fishing, playing poker with his friends, and, above all, spending time with his grandchildren, who adored their grandfather. His warmth, humor, and kindness touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Fred is survived by his daughter, Courtney Peschmann Mills Lee (Ryan); granddaughter, Mallori Kyle Lee; grandson, John Shelby Lee; and step-granddaughter, Charlotte Ann Lee, all of Holiday, Florida; his brother, John Michael Mills (Bonnie) of Tarpon Springs, Florida; as well as six nieces, six nephews, three great-nieces, and six great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Elizabeth Peschmann Strickland; his son, Kyle Allan Mills; his parents, Fred Willard Mills, Jr. and Lois Mae Byer; his brother, Jeffrey Allan Mills; and his grandparents, Frederick Mills and Thelma Nichols, and John Byer and Evelyn Catherine Walker.

Fred’s free spirit and love for his family will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His memory will be treasured, and he will be truly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.