Gerald Wayne Mills

Gerald W. Mills, aged 74, of Christiansburg, VA, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Gerald lived a life defined by devotion—to his faith, to his wife, to this family, and by the values he carried from childhood. He was a steadfast husband, a loyal son, a loving father, and a proud, playful papa whose quiet strength and gentle spirit shaped every life he touched. Born as an only child in Altavista, VA, and raised in the Glenland community of Renan, VA, Gerald learned early the meaning of hard work and responsibility on his family’s farm, tending tobacco and raising beef cattle. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life, guiding his choices and grounding his character. Gerald graduated from Gretna High School in 1970 alongside his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Tucker Mills. They met in the 1st grade at Renan Grade School. Their love story—rooted in friendship, strengthened by time, and blessed by 52 years of marriage—remained the center of his world. While Carolyn attended Radford University, they continued to build their life together, marrying in 1973. Gerald went on to graduate at the top of his accounting class from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech in 1974. He had a long, successful career as a comptroller and financial controller, as well as plant manager, with a number of companies in Virginia. He worked for Cumulus Radio in Dublin; Mid-Continent Nail Corporation in Radford; Marshall Concrete in Christiansburg; Bova Distributing in Hollins; Radford Foundry in Radford; Lynchburg Foundry in Lynchburg; Piedmont Manufacturing in Altavista; and the Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway. His colleagues knew him as a man of integrity, diligence, and unwavering reliability. Gerald was a girl’s dad in every way possible. He went above and beyond to make sure his daughters, Angela and Heather, felt his presence and support in all that they did. Attending their performances and games was a priority, each time with his video camera in hand. From bartering Cabbage Patch dolls when they were all the rage, to late night runs to get sodas for their friends coming over, to donuts on Sunday mornings for a sleepover, he always made sure that his girls and their friends were taken care of and had everything they needed before they even knew to ask. He always made the effort to connect with them and to find ways to share time and interests together. Faith was a constant thread in Gerald’s life. He served in many roles within the churches he and his family attended, most often offering his gifts as a treasurer, deacon, and chaperone for youth trips. More recently, he found joy volunteering with the St. Paul United Methodist Church Community Children’s Choir, tapping his foot to their songs and faithfully tending the candy and toy treasure box. His service was quiet but steadfast, always rooted in humility and a desire to help. After retiring, Gerald embraced a new calling: caregiving. With tenderness and patience, he provided childcare for his two grandchildren, Braxton and Zoey, from birth until they started school. He also provided full-time care for both his mother and mother-in-law, Estelle and Ann, as they went through medical challenges in their latter years. Gerald delighted in simple pleasures—family trips, long conversations, good food, bowls of ice cream. He took special pride in their turn-of-the-century home in downtown Christiansburg. He lovingly cared for his flowers, the family pool, and lots of Christmas decorations, transforming the home into a place of beauty and joy. His family lovingly said he was the “Mills Concierge Service” —always providing for their needs. He carried lifelong pride for his alma mater, Virginia Tech, and was an enthusiastic fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers—hearing “Rocky Top” always brought a smile to his face. Music was a constant companion—whether bluegrass, country, easy listening, Motown or 60’s rock, Gerald kept the beat and dreamed of one day being the drummer in the band. Listening to his wife play the piano brought joy to his heart. In recent years, Gerald faced Alzheimer’s, and specifically Lewy Body dementia, with courage and grace. His greatest concern was always how this impacted his family. Through every challenge, he was lovingly supported and cared for in their home by his devoted wife, Carolyn, with the additional support of his daughters and their families. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Carolyn Tucker Mills; his daughters, Angela Mills (Jamie Epperly) and Heather Mills McClaugherty (Brandon McClaugherty); and his treasured grandchildren, Braxton McClaugherty and Zoey McClaugherty, who will forever remember their papa’s playful spirit, his ready smile, and the dollar bills he kept tucked in his shirt pocket just for them. He is also survived by two especially instrumental people in his life, his cousin—more like a sister—Brenda Good Barfield, who served as godmother to his children; and his lifelong friend and Virginia Tech roommate, Mike Felts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley C. Mills and Estelle Updike Mills, and by his in-laws, Henry A. Tucker and Virginia Ann Edwards Tucker. Gerald’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone in their lives who has shown compassion, support, and grace while traveling this most recent chapter of their journey. They greatly appreciate the caring by Good Samaritan Hospice through their in-home care team and the on-site care team at the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House in Roanoke, VA. They brought comfort and peace during his last month and final days. And, they are especially grateful for the kindness and service of Sonu, Adrian, Shannon, and Leah. Visitation will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. and a funeral service on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. Both will be held at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gerald’s memory to Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn: Development, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA.

Gerald Wayne Mills

November 22, 1951 - January 17, 2026