Rev. A. Y. Mills, 83, of Himyar, passed away Tuesday morning, October 17, 2023 at the St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. He was the son of the late Matt Mills and Sudie Warren Mills Smith born May 16, 1940 in Knox County.
A. Y. was a retired bus driver and custodian from the Knox County Board of Education. At the time of his death, he was the pastor at the Arjay Baptist Church and had served several other area churches during his ministry. He would often say, “He would rather preach that eat!” and loved attending church. He enjoyed farming and spending time with his family.
On March 31, 1961, he united in marriage with Helen Jackson and to this union three children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Rosa Sizemore, Martha Centers, Axie Castle and Sally Jackson; a brother, Claude Mills; half-siblings, Charity, Canie, Beckham, Effie, Henry, Cardie and Louisa; step-father, Albert Smith and several step-brothers and step-sisters.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 62 years, Helen Mills of Himyar; dearly loved children, Ricky Mills and wife, Lavonda, of Corbin, Tony Mills and wife, Lisa, of Bimble and Tina Sizemore and husband, Bud, of Himyar; a sister, Virgie Mills of Flat Lick; treasured grandchildren, Lori Partin and husband, Steve, Holly O’Daniel and husband, James, Aaron Mills, Zach Mills and wife, Madison, Dalton Sizemore and wife, Allison, and Andrew Sizemore; great grandchildren, Presley and Steven Partin, Doxie and Stetson O’Daniel and Eleanor Sizemore; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, October 22 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Jerry Smith, Rev. Bobby Mills and Rev. Taylor Adams officiating. He will be laid to rest in the A. Y. Mills Cemetery at Mills.
Casket bearers will be his grandsons.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Sunday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of REV. A.Y. MILLS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
