Larry Owen Mills

LASHMEET – Larry Owen Mills of Sutton, WV, formerly of Lashmeet, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, June 3, 2017. Larry was born March 4, 1940, in Rock, WV, and was the second of six children born to the late James B. “Jimmy” Mills, Sr. and Erma Christine “Teen” Vaught Mills. In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by three brothers: Jerry; James B. Jr, “Jamie” and Rodney Bruce “Brucie”; sister-in-law Shirley Burkett Elliott and brother-in-law and dear friend Dr. Donald C. Elliott. Larry was a 1958 graduate of Matoaka High School and a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. After the Navy, he worked for North American Rockwell and then was a miner at Consol’s Eckman-Page Mine. While at Eckman-Page, Larry proudly served on a multiple award-winning mine rescue team. Following the closure of the mine, Larry enjoyed a 20+ year career as a highly respected Deep Mine Inspector for the State of West Virginia. After retirement, Larry was happiest when at home with Eunice, working in his yard and spending any time he could with family. To him, his family was his greatest achievement. Larry loved his girls, and they adored him. They are all three Daddy’s Girls “don’tcha know”. Larry, always “better than the average Larry”, is remembered fondly for his wit and humor, his integrity and kindness, and his quiet strength. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Eunice Burkett Mills; daughters: Lisa Sink and her husband, Gerald, of Summersville, WV; Melissa “Missy” Rookstool and her husband, David, of West Jefferson, NC; and Shawna Franklin and her husband, Paul, of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren: Jason Owen Sink (Nicki), Christina “Chrissy” Perkins (Isaac), Caitlyn Chaires (Austin), Amanda Assante (Anthony), Jacob Franklin, Kelsey Rookstool, Amber Rookstool, Ashley Franklin and Caleb Franklin; great-grandchildren: Sierra Clem, Kailey Perkins, Nicholas Perkins, Anthony Assante, Jr., Jack Clem, Grace Perkins, Charlotte Rookstool, Jake Owen Sink, Emery Perkins, Reagan Assante, Jace Sink and Luke Chaires; siblings: Judy Mills Mullins of Salem, VA, and Eanon Mills (Frances) of Lashmeet, WV; brother-in-law Harold Burkett (Deborah) of Lashmeet, WV, and sister-in-law Doris Snow of Virginia Beach, VA. He also leaves behind “a whole covey” of nieces and nephews that he cared for greatly. The family would like to thank Linda Elliott for her love and support, and neighbor Louis Davis for his help and friendship. To honor Larry’s wishes to have no “traditional” funeral service, the family will have a celebration of Larry’s life Saturday, June 10 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home, Princeton, WV. Larry’s cousin, Pastor Norman Mills will be opening with prayer. All are welcome to attend this special gathering with the family to share stories and memories of a life well lived. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

Tributes

Larry Owen Mills

March 4, 1940 - June 3, 2017