Gary Mills, obituary

Tue, 07/09/2019 - 9:15am

SOUTH THOMASTON — Gary Mills, age 63, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019, at his residence in South Thomaston, Maine.

Born to Maude Ann Nelson and Lawrence John Mills on April 28th, 1956 in Rockland Maine, Gary grew up and lived his entire life in the midcoast area. A graduate of Camden High, Gary began a career as a ship welder, first at Bath Iron Works, then at Rockland Marine where he spent over 20 years.

True to his Maine roots, Gary had a deep respect for the natural beauty of Maine. He found great happiness in hunting, fishing, boating, and many other outdoor activities. He often spoke of the quiet peacefulness of the
Maine woods on crisp November mornings.

Fishing trips with his grandsons were always a favorite. One of Gary’s proudest memories was Watching Isaiah and CJ reel in an enormous fish while boating together in 2017 on Hosmer pond.

An authentic local, Gary knew everyone. Need a good real estate agent? Gary knew someone. Need a good mechanic? Gary could point you in the right direction. Trying to find a good deal on a used car? Ask Gary.

Never one to sit idly by, Gary was always taking on a project. He frequently worked alongside his close friends Donny Blackman, Steve Clough and others restoring classic American Muscle cars. His passion for automobile restoration culminated with the completion of a mint condition 1969 Camaro Z28, his long time dream car.

To his friends and family Gary was a picture of dependability. He would spend the whole day after a storm plowing out friends and family all living great distances from one another, without ever being asked. If you found yourself on the side of the road with a broken down car you could count on Gary to come and bail you out.

In 2007 Gary wed Laurie Bateman. Together they found laughter and joy as they forged a new path. As partners they gave it their all to overcome life’s challenges. Gary opened his heart to Laurie’s son Christian and shared with him his love of hunting and the wilderness. Laurie embraced Gary’s daughters Whitney and Jaime and built new bonds of friendship and love.

Gary is survived and will be sorely missed by his loving wife, Laurie Mills; daughters, Whitney Kilton and Jaime Mills; step-son, Christian Bateman; brother, Kenneth Mills and his wife Nancy Mills; grandchildren CJ Kilton,
Isaiah Kilton, Audrey Kilton, and Addyson Parsons; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dempsey Center, an organization dedicated to making life better for people managing the impact of cancer. Their services are provided at no cost to those in need of help. https://www.dempseycenter.org/

Graveside services will be held at the Village Cemetery in South Thomaston on Wednesday, July 10, at 10 a.m. A Remembrance of Life picnic will be held immediately following at the Rackliff residence located at 4 Nabby Cove Road in South Thomaston. All are welcome.

To share a memory with Gary’s family, visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland