Eugene John Mills, 80, a lifelong resident of Downsville, passed away suddenly from a motor vehicle accident along with his sister Sandra A. Elmore on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020.
The son of the late Reginald and Isabelle Knapp Mills, he was born Dec. 19, 1939, in Downsville.
Eugene proudly served Our Country in the United States Marine Corps for nine years. For over 35 years, he was a member of the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167, Downsville, where he served as Past Commander. He was also a member and Past Commander of the Delaware County American Legion, and a member of the Stamford VFW Post, Stamford. He finally fully retired from carpentry in his 70s. Eugene was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 47 years and nine months to the day.
Survivors include his wife, Judy L. Carpenter Mills of Downsville; six daughters, Debra Brooks of N.C., Regina Underwood of N.C., Lisa Mills of N.C.; Wanda Mize of S.C., Pam Mills of N.C., Émiké Smith of Fla., and a stepson, Edward Pillans of Copenhagen; two brothers, Donald Mills and James (Goldie) Mills; four sisters, Roxanne Bartolillo (Mike), Terry Allen, Mickey (Patrick) McClenon, Tracey Wilson, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by four brothers and a sister, Floyd “Reg” Mills, Clark “Cork” Mills, William “Bill” Mills, and Thomas “Tom” Mills, Bridget Mills, and a grandson, Daniel Mize.
A memorial service for “family only” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 12 noon at the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167, Downsville. Burial with military honors will follow at the Paige Cemetery, Downsville.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be at the same location at 4 p.m. The family requests that everyone wear something patriotic.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167, 1 Legion Lane, Downsville, NY 13755.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe; www.Harris-FH.com; 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200.
