Obituaries

Mr. Linwood Earl Mills

Mr. Linwood Earl Mills, Sr. “Papa” to so many, of South Hill, VA departed a glorious and full life on Friday, November 1, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1940; the oldest son of Clarence & Bessie (Clary) Mills. Papa’s roots were firmly planted in Mecklenburg County, where he lived his entire life. In 1962 he married Clara Dell Kidd who was truly his life and soul mate. With Clara, he would go on to have two boys, Linwood, Jr. and Michael, who became the joys of his life. Days spent hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping with his sons brought so much happiness. When later these boys became men and started families of their own, Papa reveled in all the grandchildren that followed. Always supporting their interests, attending dance recitals, soccer games, graduations, fishing off the end of the pier, and attending way too many baseball games to count. Throughout his life, Linwood had many accomplishments. He learned the trades of HVAC and plumbing, which led to a great job with Parker Oil Co. When he decided to venture out and start his own business, many people can attest to his willingness to come out after hours to get that furnace or pump running to make their family comfortable. In 1995, the opportunity arose for him to change his employment hat and he became a teacher at Park View High School to begin training another generation to fill the HVAC work force. Even then, he never failed to be “Mr. Fix It” for his family and anyone needing handyman services. All this being said, at the end of the day, Papa’s greatest accomplishment in life is the person he was… loved by many and always ready with a hug and a kiss. He loved his family with all he had and was never settled and satisfied until he knew everyone was “in their spot.” We are certain that on Friday morning, Papa hurried into his family circle, greeted with open arms. Greeted by his daddy, mama, brother, Carol Mills and sister-in-law Jean Mills were surely happy to be reunited. We know that the sweetest reunion was with his beloved dog, Lady. Linwood is survived by his wife of 62 years, Clara Dell Kidd Mills, his sons, Lyn Mills (Angie) and Mike Mills (Kristi). He is also survived by his grandchildren Abby Spence (Brandon), Charlie Mills (Lou), Macey Christian (Connor), Mason Mills, and the three brightest stars in his life’s sky, Clara, Ruby, & Cora Spence. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Wednesday November 6th at 11:00 A.M. in Prospect United Methodist Church in Ebony. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 A.M. until service time in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prospect United Methodist Church at 1974, Ebony Road, Ebony, VA 23845. Online condolences may be made through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Mills family.