John "Jay" Mills

NARROWS, VA – John “Jay” Wallace Mills, 93, of Narrows,VA died peacefully Monday, July 10, 2023 at his residence. Born in May 31, 1930 in Stotesbury, WV, he was the son of the late Ile Mills and Okley Reid Mills. He entered the Navy at the age of 17. At the end of his service, he returned to Kegley and began a 30-year career with U.S. Postal Service. In addition, Jay also sold real estate, obtained his Broker’s License, and sold life insurance. He also, along with two of his siblings, built and owned Jay’s Grocery where he worked for many years. He was elected to the Mercer County Commission in 2006 and served this position honorably and tirelessly as he sought to respond to all questions and concerns, happily answered phone calls, and talked to people out in the community. Thanks to the G.I Bill, he attended Concord College for several years. He was a Little League baseball coach, played church league softball, and was known as an outstanding pitcher. Jay “never knew a stranger” and was loved by many and dearly loved by his family. He was the best son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law anyone could have. He was a member of the Kegley Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Illene Mills Blake (Warren) and his brother, Billy Mills (Mabel). Jay was married to Beverly Bowden Mills for 67 years. Together, they raised three sons; John Mills (Penny) of Narrows,VA, Wes Mills (Maura) of Princeton, WV, and Gary Mills (Tina) of Pembroke, VA. Their grandchildren are Brandi Smith (Dalton), Kelsey Alt (Ted), Adam Mills (Jessi), Joseph Mills (Kelly), and Michael Mills. Great-grandchildren are Averee Smith, Finleigh Smith, Christopher Alt, and Zelda Jean Mills. His siblings are Shelva Mills Mason (John) and Stan Mills (Martha). He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews and countless cousins who he had great affection for. Funeral Services to celebrate the life of Jay will be conducted at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Chris McKlarney and Rev. Sebastian DeVaysa officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the service hour. Pallbearers will be Adam Mills, Joseph Mills, and Michael Mills, Dalton Smith, Dean Blake, and Greg Mills. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Princeton Rescue Squad. Burial will be private at Roselawn Memorial Gardens where Military Honors will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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John "Jay" Mills

May 31, 1930 - July 10, 2023