William Mills

LUBBOCK, Texas -- William L. "Bill" Mills passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018.

William Lowell was born Oct. 3, 1939, to William A. and Dollie Pickett Mills in Cape Girardeau.

He graduated from College High School, where his friends called him "Chief," because his dad was the chief of police in Cape Girardeau. He then attended Southeast Missouri University.

Bill met the love of his life, Jozette Willis, while he was in the U.S. Air Force and stationed at Reese Air Force Base. The young couple was married Dec. 22, 1963, in Lubbock, where they raised four children. Bill enjoyed going out to eat with Jozette, buying her gifts, and giving her cards for every special occasion.

After leaving the Air Force, Bill had a long career as a commercial truck driver and received the "million-miler" award from Frito-Lay. Even after retirement, he kept in touch with his fellow drivers by meeting for coffee every Saturday.

Over the years, Bill had several interests. He enjoyed welding and being an active participant in a gun club. He won several state shooting competitions.

He was a music lover and enjoyed a wide range of music, including big band, rock 'n' roll, Motown, country and gospel. He was a saxophone player in high school, and really enjoyed good guitar picking.

Survivors include his wife, Lennie Jozette Mills; their children, Debra Keesee and husband Kirby, Darla Boyce and husband Mitch, Robin Tanaka and husband Christopher and William R. "Billy" Mills and friend Alyssia Warren; grandchildren, Kandace Welch and husband Jack Trey, Kolton Keesee, Hunter Dillon, Kadee and Brody Boyce, Ashley and Jaron Hardage and Destiny, MacKenzie and Alexis Mills; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Dollie Mae Mills; and brother, Donald R. Mills.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life of 78 years at 2:30 p.m. today at Lake Ridge Chapel in Lubbock.