Jerry Lee Mills' Obituary
Jerry Lee Mills, 84, of Pittsburg, KS died January 27, 2026.
He was born in Miami, OK in 1941 to Lillian Parrish Mills and Clifton Mills and was the youngest in a family of six. Jerry was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Clifton Jr. Mills, David Mills, Irving Mills, Betty Holcomb, Helen Martin and Cleo Mills. In 2017 his wife Mary M Mills died after 57 years of marriage. He is survived by their two children, Judy Mills and Jeff Mills and his wife Shontel Mills and their children Gretchen LaPlant (Greyson LaPlant) and Drew Mills (Michaela Mills) and his great grandchildren Maison LaPlant and Vivienne Mills.
Jerry spent his working life as a small business owner, entering a business partnership as Katner-Mills Auto Parts at just 21 years old. Later he purchased Osage Auto Supply in Osage City, KS. In 1975 he purchased AJ Automotive in Pittsburg, KS which became Everything Automotive and then opened a second location in Columbus, KS in 1986. He retired in 2015. His entrepreneurship carried over to his children, and he proudly supported both Judy’s and Jeff’s small businesses.
Jerry was a lifelong fan of racing of any sort and in his younger years raced go-karts. And then continued by supporting his son’s racing career as crew chief.
A man of faith, Jerry was active in his local church and participated in out-reach programs with his wife Mary. He was an enthusiastic attendee of his grandkids sporting activities. Jerry was a devoted family man. He was a man of quiet action, hugely loyal and believed in the value of hard work.
Services will be held Sat Feb 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Pittsburg Church of Christ 802 E. Centennial Dr. Pittsburg, KS. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:00 at the same location. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SEK Humane Society at https://thesekhumanesociety.com.
Services an arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg.
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