Larry Mills

Larry Mills, of Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona passed away on January 7, 2016 at his home in Lakeside. He was 71. Larry was born to his parents the late, David Curtis and Lois LaRhea (Holifield) Mills in Richton, Perry County, Mississippi on June 2, 1944.Larry had an immense love of country and at the age of 18, he enlisted into the United States Navy on June 9, 1962 in Richton, Mississippi and was transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma to begin what would be an exemplary amount of service to his country. Larry served on the supercarriers, USS Eisenhower, USS America and the USS Forestal during his Naval carrier. Being at sea was in his blood and on March 31, 1990 he retired after 28 years of faithful service as a Chief Petty Officer. He often said he would have spent another 28 years if the Navy would have let him. Following his time in the service, Larry served as a Deputy Sherriff in Norfolk, Virginia and was credited with 16 years of duty before being retired in 1997. They then moved to Lakeside, Arizona in 1998 where he fell in love with the mountains and the desert. He loved to hunt, and fish, especially ice fishing. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9907 in Show Low and drove the DAV van for many years, transporting veterans to the VA Hospital in Phoenix. He truly enjoyed his many trips with his fellow service members, listening and sharing in on different “War stories.” Larry found joy in making “dog house” shadow boxes for many other Retired Navy Veterans allowing them to display their medals for their family members and friends. In the summer of 2015 he was presented with a Quilt of Valor in Overgaard, Arizona for his dedicated service to his country. Larry would do anything for anyone. He enjoyed spending time with his dear friend Patches, his beloved Shih Tzu. Patches was very protective of Larry and their unique bond between each other was unlike any other. It was when Larry was making trails in the snow for Patches to go to the bathroom, that Larry was taken from his family and friends. We find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Kathy Mills of Lakeside, Arizona; children, David Owen of Louisiana, Evelyn Mills of Louisiana, David Barnett (Mary) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Sheri Wilder (Mitch) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Teri Falcon of Lakeside, Arizona and Keri Frederico of Richmond, Virginia; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carolyn of Richton, Mississippi and Judy (Kenneth) of Richton, Mississippi as well as a brother, David Mills (Anne) of Alabama. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Douglas Mills. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the VFW Post #9907, 381 N. Central, Show Low. Inurnment will take place 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 25, 2015 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona with full military honors.