Rev. Mark Lee Mills, 84, of Barbourville, passed away Thursday morning, February 10, 2022 at the Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. He was the son of the late Chester and Patty Jackson Mills born on March 25, 1937 in Clay County.
Mark was a strong-willed, independent man who was never idle. He spent his life working a variety of jobs including logging, truck driving, coal mining and line-clearance work. He also raised tobacco and had cattle up until the time of his death. Mark was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed both pleasure hunting and competition hunting and was a member of the local hunting clubs. He was an ordained minister, who pastored several churches. Up until the end, even when the dementia was so hard on him, he always carried his Bible around with him and when asked, could lead the most beautiful prayer you ever heard. He never forgot or lost this important part.
On December 24, 1953, he united in marriage with Axie Mills and to this union six children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Axie; two daughters, Erma Jewell Hubbs and Audrey Abner; a son-in-law, Eddie Evans; two sisters, Bess Smith and Opal Jackson; five brothers, Rev. Lester, Rev. Virgil, Earl, Orville and Wesley Mills.
Survivors include his children, Preston Mills and wife, Peggy, of Cranes Nest, Zandall Mills and wife, Jayne, of Laurel County, Zelma Evans of Columbia, TN and Annette Broughton and husband, Randy, of Cannon; sons-in-law, Jake Hubbs of Rockholds and Carl Wayne Abner of Cranes Nest; treasured grandchildren, Karen Hatch, Steve May, Brandi Bolin, Preston Lee Mills, Amy Jo Linn, Miranda Russell, Dawson Broughton, Jerry Wayne Abner, Leona Broughton and Felecia Sweatt; 17 great grandchildren; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Tuesday, February 15 at 11 A.M. with Rev. Chris Brock, Rev. Herman Mills and Rev. Rick Broughton officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be grandsons and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for their excellent care.
Friends may call at the funeral home Monday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Tuesday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of MARK 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.
