Jerry Mills, Sr.

Our beloved Jerry Millard Mills Sr, passed away on July 31, 2023. He was born on December 11, 1942 to JW "Buck" Mills and Margaret "Peggy" Hanbury in Gainesville, Florida at Alachua General Hospital. In 1948, Jerry began his education in Williston where he attended school until seventh grade. After he left Williston, he moved to Ashburn, Georgia where he lived with his mother and step father. While there he finished his High School education. Upon graduating High School in 1960, Jerry attended Junior College at Gordon Military Academy in South Georgia. Jerry moved to Florida and lived with his beloved Grandmother, "Granny Hanbury" of Williston. Jerry loved living with his grandmother as she owned the local restaurant and Jerry ate every meal at Hanburys. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Sharon Kay Hiers. After dating for a period, Jerry asked Mr. Hiers for Sharons hand and the two wed on May 14, 1966. Jerry enlisted in the US Navy shortly after their wedding and was stationed in Rota, Spain as a communication specialist. Jerry loved his military service and to this day none of us know exactly what his job entailed as it was "top secret". While in Rota, Jerry and Sharon welcomed their first bundle of joy; Jerry Jr. "Little Jerry" was a blessing and the two loved him dearly. Sharon moved back to Florida with little Jerry and prepared the home for when Jerry was released from the Navy with an honorable discharge in November of 1968. Jerry was happy that he, Sharon and little Jerry were able to reside with Granny Hanbury in Williston after his discharge from the Navy. Granny Hanbury loved having them live with her and they loved being there. A few years later, Jerry and Sharon moved into their own home in Williston where they welcomed their second child, Stephanie. The happy family was instantly in love with their precious new baby. In 1974, Stephanie turned two and the happy family moved into their forever home on Hiers Family land in Morriston. Jerry was talented in many trades and finally settled on being a rural mail carrier in Williston in the early 80s. He worked there for over 30 years and retired in 2010. Upon retirement Jerry decided to become a Realtor and is currently an associate at Cookie King Realty in Williston. In 1999, Jerry became a Papa. Jerry III was born and that began a whole new adventure for Jerry. A year later, Makenzie was born followed by Tori and then Kylie. Jerry was the best Papa, he loved his grandchildren like no other. The kids were the apple of his eye and everyone that knows him knows just that. Jerry was a loving man, he loved unconditionally. He loved Sharon. He loved Jerry and Stephanie, Rantz and Desiree, Jer, Tori, Makenzie and Kylie and MANY friends and extended family. Jerry loved BIG! Jerry loved the Georgia Bulldogs and loved watching them play football. Jerry loved so very many things and was not shy about the things and the people he loved. A funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church Williston on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 5:00 pm with a visitation held one hour prior. Pastors Russ Randall and Wes Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at the Orange Hill Cemetery in Williston. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Knauff Funeral Home Williston. Visitation Thursday, August 3, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM First Baptist Church Williston 339 E Noble Ave Williston, FL 32696 Funeral Service Thursday, August 3, 2023 5:00 PM First Baptist Church Williston 339 E Noble Ave Williston, FL 32696