Robert Gerald Mills, better known as Jerry or Papa Mills, passed away on March 3, 2023, at the age of 89 (or in his own words 29 1/2). Born in Endicott, NY in 1933 to Leo & Kenna Mills, Jerry lived a life filled with adventure, love and laughter, driven by his gentle, kind, loyal, and laid-back personality, as well as his unmistakable dry wit. Jerry grew up in Endicott and spent his summers at his family's log cabin on Silver Lake, PA. He attended The Manlius School in New York for high school and Niagara University where he received his BA in Business. He moved to CA with a job in sales for IBM and started his family. He loved being a dad. If one of his children had to go to the hospital, he would roll down the windows and make siren noises to try to keep them from worrying. He bought a horse for the girls and surprised one of his daughters with a pony that he rode in through the pasture to the house! Jerry enjoyed playing touch football with his kids, coaching, and taking them to Charger games. He also was an amazing cook and was in the kitchen most nights making dinner for the family. His career took him to Dallas, TX where he settled in a nearby suburb for the remainder of his life.

Jerry dedicated his professional life to working as a top salesperson for IBM and Lexmark, a career that he truly loved and excelled in. After he retired from sales, he worked at Oakmont Country Club as a Marshal. Jerry found fulfillment in many hobbies outside of work. Golf, tennis, cooking, snow skiing and cycling were among his favorite activities, which allowed him to stay active and engaged with friends and family. Jerry also had an undeniable talent for carpentry and art, two pursuits that would showcase his creativity and skill. He was always up for adventures as well. He sailed from NYC down to Florida one summer to work, went on crazy river rafting tours, cycled in 100 mile plus races to name a few. He was an amazing tennis player and won several trophies at the Newport Beach Tennis Club. Jerry was an avid golfer and played as much as he could.

Survived by his darling loving wife of 38 years, Beverly Mills, his five cherished daughters Keri Mitchell (CA), Kristen Francis (Jeffrey Schmidt, CA) Tracy Mills (CA), Shannon King (TX) and Shareese Rowland (Brad Rowland, TX), his adored grandchildren Ashley Mitchell Kennefick (CA), Ryan Mitchell (Marissa, MA), Ryan Francis (Avery, CA), Justin Francis (Tiffany, TX), Trae King (TX), Tristan King (TX) Jack, Harry, George and Clive Rowland (TX), his precious great grandchildren Hadley Kennefick (CA), Kinley and Rory Francis (CA), Rosalie & Violet Francis (TX), Isla Gray Mitchell (MA), his sister Kenna Lou Mills (NY) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his only son, Todd Mills, and his brother David Mills. Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love and passion for the things he enjoyed. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those blessed enough to know him. As we remember Jerry, let us carry forth his spirit of kindness and loyalty, and celebrate the life of a man who made the world brighter for those around.

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