Bennie Mills

On Aug. 24, 2009, SMSgt Bennie Mills, Jr. (Ret.), a husband, father, grandfather, friend and patriot, left this world and now rests in the presence of his Maker.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him and experienced his love in each of his roles, and by the men and women of the Armed Forces who served proudly with him.

Bennie served heroically in the Navy

during World War II, and in the Air Force during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He loved serving his country and did so with a spirited sense of devotion and duty.

During his more than 28 years in the Armed Forces, Bennie and his family were stationed across the world, and finally retired in Central Texas in 1979, where he and his wife, Phyllis, establish the Old Glory Bait and Tackle Shop in Lockhart.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Ben J. and Edna Mills; his stepmother, Johnnie Mae Mills; his sister, Dean; his brother, Jack; and his grandson, Daniel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; his devoted daughters, Deana and Rhia; his son, Dion; and a house full of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at the Lockhart City Cemetery with the Central Texas Patriot Guard Riders providing the Honor Guard and Minister Elizabeth Pugh Mills presiding over the service.
The family requests memorials in Bennie’s honor to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, 4216 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78745.

Arrangements under the care and guidance of McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan St., Lockhart, Texas 78644, (512) 398-4791.