Pastor Roger D. Mills

Pastor Roger D. Mills, a cherished servant of the Lord and a beacon of light in the communities of Crooksville and New Lexington, was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on February 24, 2024, on the very day that marked his 79th year on this earth. Born on February 24, 1945, in the town of Mann, West Virginia, Roger was the son of the late Genard and Gracie (Evans) Mills and lived a life rich in faith, family, and fellowship. Roger's journey through life was one filled with the love and laughter of a close-knit family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Donna (Lemay) Mills, and to his children, Roger (Lori) Mills Jr., Tammy (Paul) Watson, and Brenda (Joe) Smith. His legacy continued to grow with his grandchildren, Tiffany (Ryan) Mayes, Miranda (Martin) Durant, Brandy Mills, Jessica (Caleb) Watts, Tanner (Lauren) Watson, Stevi Dennis, and Buck Watson, and was further blessed with the joy of his great-grandchildren, Megan, Collin, Isabella, Riley, Juliet, Sophia, Hayden, and Meredith. He is also survived by brothers, Frank (Juanita) Mills, Bob (Claudia) Mills, Jimmy Jo (Wanda) Mills and sister, Mary Ruth Wolfe. Before heeding the call to serve the Lord full-time, Roger retired from Peabody Coal Mine, where he worked for many years. He was also the proud owner of Mills Auto Sales and affectionately earned the nickname "Apple Man" for his ability to wheel and deal with the best of them in fruit and vegetable sales at produce auctions. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his unwavering commitment to his faith. Roger's love for the Gospel was as boundless as the skies above the rolling hills of Appalachia. He was a devoted Pastor at Bear Run Baptist Church, where he shared the word of God with passion and a deep sense of responsibility. His sermons, filled with wisdom and grace, touched the hearts of all who listened, and his guidance provided solace and strength to his fellow parishioners. Beyond his work and ministry, Roger found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved mowing grass, feeling the warm sun on his back, and the satisfaction of a well-kept lawn. His hands, always ready to serve, were as comfortable holding a Bible as they were gripping the wheel of a tractor or shaking the hand of a friend. Though his passing was unexpected, he was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, brothers, Harvey Mills, Lewis Mills, Albert Mills, sister Carol Sue Daniels and brother-in-law, Howard Wolfe. He walked through this world as a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, and the value of hard work. His spirit, characterized by generosity and kindness, will continue to inspire those who knew him. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 4pm -7pm at Ross-Frash Funeral Home, 207 Burley Street, Crooksville. Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 12pm at Bear Run Baptist Church, 10249 State Route 37, New Lexington, where friends may pay their respects beginning at 10am. Pastor Don Harris will officiate the funeral service with burial to follow in Zion Cemetery, Porterville. You may sign the register book at www.ross-frashfuneralhomes.com

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