Donald Joe Mills, Sr.

Donald Joe Mills, Sr., 86, of Cleveland passed away Thursday, August 12, 2010. He was born in Hugoton, Kansas on March 2, 1924 to Oliver Wayne and Daisy Mills. He served in the US Army during World War II and subsequently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a BS in Civil Engineering. Don worked for the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, TN for 43 years and he was the "face" of EPB in advertisements and billboards during his last years there. Don was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church for over 40 years, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher, Training Union Director, and Director of the intermediate department. A charter member of the Tennessee Aquarium, he was active in the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club. He resided in Cleveland, TN and was a member of First Baptist Church in Cleveland for the last 14 years. Preceded in death by his wife of 49, years, Charlsie Mae Boss Mills, he is survived by his beloved second wife, Winnie Triplett Mills; daughter, Dr. Sandra Sue Mills; son, Donald J. Mills; brothers, Jerry Mills and Douglas Mills; sisters, Jannell Burditt and Joan Popejoy; niece, Charlie Scarbrough; grandchildren, Christopher and Sarah Mills, Elliott and Elizabeth Easterly and Evangeline Taylor; stepchildren, John David Triplett and Joan Triplett Easterly; and many dear nieces and nephews. Don has always been noted for his love for the Lord Jesus Christ, his family and his community. He will be remembered for his zest for life, his laughter and his compassion. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 15, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Cleveland, 340 Church Street with the Pastor Jim Gibson and Pastor Tom Moncrief officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Highway 153 in Hixson, TN with Christopher Mills, Steve Newton, John David Triplett, Doug Mills, Eric Taylor and Clay Easterly serving as pallbearers. Don Mills, Jr., Harold Brooker, Charles Goodgame, Jack Sample, Jack Brooker, Kenneth Burditt and Jim Fitzsimmons will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Fike Funeral Home and also from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Sunday. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Mills family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.