Carlis D. Mills

1929—2023

Carlis D. Mills, 93, of Tomahawk, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones at his home.

He was born Dec. 2, 1929, in Martin County to the late Virgil and Cosby Crum Mills.

Carlis, a coal miner, retired from Kermit Coal in the early 1990s. His green thumb grew a beautiful garden year after year for his family to enjoy, but his passion was fox hunting. He took much pride in his many fox hounds, along with their awards and trophies. Carlis was sound in his salvation, and Brother Dorsey Fields held a special place in his heart for leading him to the Lord. Carlis was baptized at the Tomahawk Freewill Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Boyd Mills, his second wife, Neva Janet Mills, step-son Bruce Hale, brothers Albert Mills, Virgil Mills Jr. and Henry Mills, and sister Nellie Davis Fannin.

Carlis leaves behind his children, Virgil (Wanda) Mills, Carletta (Donnie) Bailey and Paul (Sandy) Mills, all of Tomahawk; three step-children, Paul Hale, Anita Brewer and Betty Hale, all of Crum, West Virginia; two brothers, Earl Mills and Harold (Ellen) Mills; and two sisters, Sandra (Charles) Hamlin and Opal (Darwin) McGinnis. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, John (Rebecca) Mills, Felicia Bailey, Carla (Brandon) Alexander, Phillip (Nicolle) Mills, Brandon Bailey and Ryan Coty Mills, 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Callaham Funeral Home in Inez, with Maurice Mills officiating. Burial was at the Mills Family Cemetery in Tomahawk, Kentucky, under the direction of the Callaham Funeral Home.