Thomas Freeman "Dusty" Mills

Thomas Freeman “Dusty” Mills passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025. Dusty was the son of the late Robert Hobson and Ethel Owensby Mills. He attended Unity Elementary, Hill Street Junior High, and graduated from LaGrange High School in the class of 1956. Dusty attended Gordon Military College and graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. degree in Education. He later received his Master’s Degree from the University of West Georgia. Dusty was also a proud Veteran of the United States Army.

During his childhood years, Dusty participated in all sports offered through the Callaway Mill Village Community. While attending LaGrange High School, Dusty was the quarterback and team captain for the Grangers, where he earned All-Region, All-State, and All-Southern honors. He was also selected as a Prep All-American in 1955 and inducted into the LaGrange High Athletic Hall of Fame. Dusty played in the North/South All Star Game in August of 1956, with the late Coach Oliver Hunnicutt serving as the head coach for the South Team. Later, he played on the Gordon Military College Championship Team in 1956. Dusty served as the head football coach at Troup High School from 1965-1973. Under his leadership, the Tigers won their first ever Region Championship in 1973.

Dusty married his high school sweetheart, Carlene Benefield, on August 25, 1957. They enjoyed sixty-eight beautiful years together. Dusty and Carlene are proof that true love stories never end.

After his coaching career, Dusty continued serving the Troup County School System as an elementary principal. He cherished his years at Gray Hill School and Hillcrest Elementary, from where he retired.

Dusty was a founding member of Wesley Methodist Church in LaGrange. He enjoyed his participation in the Men’s Bible Study and Journey Sunday School class.

Dusty was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Lane Mills, and sisters Julia Hope Mills Johnson and Sally Mills Morelock.

In addition to his wife, Carlene, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jane Anne and Rob Ridings, and grandsons Robert Mills Ridings, Andrew Freeman Ridings, and William Davis Ridings. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sonji and Phil Williamson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Dusty will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Methodist Church, 2382 West Point Road, LaGrange, Georgia, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Building Fund of Wesley Methodist Church. Donations may be mailed to the church office at 301 Broome Street, Suite 101, LaGrange, Georgia 30240.

Dusty lived life to the fullest. He thoroughly enjoyed the special friendships he made over the years with people from all walks of life. Although he received many honors, he felt that his greatest achievement was his family. Attending the football games of his son-in-law and grandsons over the years were some of the highlights of his life.

Dusty was a blessing to all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.