T.R Mills

Dr. Tyrus Mills, Jr., 85, of Winnsboro, Texas passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He was born in Tyler, Texas on June 22, 1938 to Tyrus Raymond Mills, Sr. and Ollie Christine Cox Mills.

Dr. Tyrus Mills, Jr. graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1956 and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. He served in the Army for seven years eight months before earning an honorable discharge in 1962. Following his Army days, Dr. Mills pursued his education. He earned an associate of arts degree from Tyler Junior College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from East Texas State University. He also attended Colorado State College in 1969. Finally, in 1991, he culminated his lifelong pursuit of education with a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) from Baylor University.

Dr. Mills loved gardening, raising chickens and quail, carpentry, and bargain hunting, but by far his favorite role was that of a grandfather and great-grandfather. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Paw Paw. He was always there for sporting events, recitals, pageants, graduations, and everything in between. He was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather in recent years and was always ready with a jar full of treats when they came to visit.

Dr. Mills was a passionate educator. He was a teacher and school board member at Winnsboro ISD, a principal at Tidehaven ISD, and a principal and superintendent at West Rusk Consolidated ISD. He loved his students and made learning fun. Even in his later years, Dr. Mills enjoyed volunteering for Camp Bandina, serving kids by working in the kitchen. In his last few days, he was still thinking about ways to serve young people. One of his final wishes was to purchase a playground for the children at the Winnsboro Church of Christ. His was a life spent in service - service to his country, his family, his students, and his community. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Dr. Mills is preceded in death by his brother Franklin Raymond Mills, his father Tyrus Raymond Mills, Sr., and his mother Ollie Christine Cox Mills. He is survived by his wife, Sowilla Ann Mills, son Frank Mills and wife Jan, son Greg Mills and wife Cindy, daughter Pam Gambrel and husband Eric, brother Malvin Richard Mills and wife Susan.

In addition, he leaves behind six grandchildren, Hunter Mills and fiancé Jessica Kinney, Rusdon Mills and wife Brittani, Haley Chapman and husband Kody, Katelyn Terry and husband Ryan, Raygan Mills and wife Dani, and Tiffany Borchardt and husband Nelson. Furthermore, his legacy will continue through his seven great-grandchildren Connor Chapman, Sowilla Terry, Rhett Chapman, Tyleigh Mills, Elizabeth Terry, Addie Borchardt, and Sutton Mills.

The family will celebrate his life with a private ceremony at their family farm per his last request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Deer Run in honor of Dr. Mills at www.campdeerrun.com/memorial or by mail to 1227 CR 4590 Winnsboro, TX 75494.

We will miss him every day. T.R. Mills will surely live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.