Roger Lee Mills
1950—2026

Roger Lee Mills, age 75, of Wellston, Ohio, formerly of Inez, Kentucky, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at his home.

Born Aug. 5, 1950, in Inez, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Henry Mills and Nella Mae Fitch Mills.

Roger was a retired coal miner, having spent 20 years working underground at various mines in the area. He was a talented bluegrass musician who loved to sing and could play any bluegrass instrument, including the banjo, upright bass, guitar and especially the fiddle. When he was not out wheeling and dealing or in the woods hunting a big buck, Roger could be found tinkering on just about anything mechanical.

He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Ann Dowdy Mills; two children, Janice Mosley and James Mills; granddaughter, Braylee Mills; and siblings Clarice Bernice Moore (Ken), Henrietta Taylor, Jewell Pemberton (Doug), Cora Delong (Eddie), Golda Marks, Lona Medley (Jerry), Betty Cox, James Luster Mills (Jan) and Evelyn Buskirk; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his sister Mary Messer, brother Larry Mills and infant brother Joseph Mills.

The funeral service was held Friday, May 15, 2026, at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston, with Dr. Garrett Mills officiating. Burial followed at the Salem Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.