Ellis Willard Mills Jr died on February 26, 2025 with his family by his side after a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ellis was born on June 17, 1938 to Ellis Willard Mills and Myrtle Jenkins Mills. In 1956 he graduated from Waynesboro High School where he met the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Pauline (Polly) Blount Mills.
Music was always a part of his life. In high school, he formed the Ellis Mills Orchestra and played for different events in the area. He received a music scholarship to Florida State University and after graduating in 1960, he and Polly married. With his ROTC commission they spent two years in Nuremberg, Germany with the 22nd Artillery in the 4th Armored Division. They treasured those years and the lasting friendships they made. Ellis remained in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired as Lieutenant Colonel.
Ellis’ career was 36 years with City of Decatur Schools where he served as band director, and as an administrator. Ellis said “it was a very rewarding profession”. He loved working with young people and the faculty was a second family. During these years he obtained his Masters degree from the University of Georgia and his PHD from Florida State University.
Ellis volunteered with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl for many years. He served on the Executive Committee as Festival Chairman. He was one of two inaugural inductees into the Chick-fil-A
Volunteer Hall of Fame.
Ellis and Polly loved traveling. As band director, he took the students to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. and to the New York World’s Fair. The biggest feat was to take 250 to Newcastle, England for a school exchange. He then decided to take small groups of adults to Europe. The last of their travels were River Cruises.
Faith, family and friends were of utmost importance to Ellis. He served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church and he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Big Canoe Chapel.
Ellis is preceded in death by brother, Grady Mills (Brenda).
He is survived by his wife, Polly; daughter, Sherrie Spinks; Son, Ellis W. Mills III (Jane), and son, Davey Mills. He adored his grandchildren, Lillie Spinks, John Spinks (Masyn), Wyatt Mills (Maddie), Whitner Mills, Jack Mills and Mars Mills; great grandchildren, Bennett and Molly Mills; sister, Cynthia Roberts (Woody).
A Memorial Service will be planned at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s or the charity of your choice.
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Verna Rauschenberg
Ellis Mills was my teacher at Decatur High School and neighbor for 15 years at Big Canoe. He was one of the finest men I ever knew. A kind, humble and most thoughtful person who was greatly admired by many who knew him. He will be missed and never forgotten. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
Jan Fleischman Bedol
Verna,
Just saw your sweet message about Ellis Mills and I want to say how much I appreciated you! You taught me to swim and I’m forever grateful!
Fondly,
Jan Fleischman Bedol
Mark Emory Thomas
Mark Emory Thomas- I was a tenor saxophonist in the band at Decatur high school from 1969 to 1971. The greatest memories that I have of Dr. Mills is his amazingly, friendly, Godly spirit that he displayed on a daily basis! He was by far my most adored teacher at Decatur high school! Also I had the opportunity to work at the Georgia Dome Stadium were his daughter also worked. My condolences go out to his entire family and friends! He will truly be missed. We will continue to keep up the, “GO DECATUR ” smile going on in his name! 😃🙏
Ricky and Nancy DeLoach
To Mrs. Polly, Sherri and family. It is with much sorrow that we extend our condolences. Ricky and I only knew Mr. Ellis for a short time, but we count it a blessing to have crossed paths. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.
Laurie ferlazzo
Deepest condolences. Prayers to the family
Jennifer Ridgway
Sherri, Lillie, and John-I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Jennifer Ridgway
Sherri, Lillie, and John-I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Cari Perez
Look back into all those precious memories and find the peace you need knowing what a great husband, dad and grandfather he was.
Terri Butler Davis
My heart and prayers are with the entire Family. I know how much y’all him!
Hold all your memories of time together close to your heart, I know right now there are a lot of tears when you think of those memories but soon the tears will turn to happy tears and eventually smiles.
God Speed Mr. Mills
Terri Butler Davis
Becky and Joe McGee
So sorry to hear of Ellis passing. He was a great man. Prayers going to the family 🙏
Becky and Joe Mcgee
So sorry to hear of Ellis passing. He was a great man and friend. Prayers to the family.
Ann and Don Stenhouse
To the Mills Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Ellis will always be remembered by so many. What would the Hearthstone 4th of July parade had been without him. A wonderful neighbor for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ann and Don Stenhouse
Glen Blankenship
My heart goes out to the entire Mills family. As a trumpet player at DHS, Dr. Mills had a huge impact on my life, He was beloved by us all. I have many fond memories of one of my heroes. His kindness and guidance and inspiration lives on is so many people,
Cater Lee Yost
I have such fond memories of Dr. Mills, who made playing in the Decatur HS Band so much fun. Sending condolences to the entire family. He made a huge difference in so many students” lives!
All the best,
Cater Lee Yost (class of 1980- DHS)
Paul and Beth Di Bono
Our heartfelt sympathy to Polly and all the Mills family. Ellis was a dear friend who we remember for his sense of humor, his humility and many talents, and his devotion to serving others. He lived an exemplary life and was loved by all who knew him. We are very sorry for your loss.
John and Myrtle Marshall
We cherish every tennis day, golf day, FSU football game, river cruise, car trip and the visits these past few years. And we can smile because we have wonderful memories. With love and prayers, Myrtle and John
Laura Bowden
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family over the recent loss of Ellis. No matter how prepared we are, the void that is left by the passing of such a loving husband, father and friend takes time to heal. May you find solace knowing he left this earth peacefully; surrounded by the warm love of his family. With love and sympathy – Shirley, Laura and Mary
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds….. PSALM 147:3
Rhoda Joyner
Doug and I send our deepest sympathy. We all served as educators in the City of Decatur for over 20 years together. Toward the end of his career Ellis even had the opportunity to serve Glennwood Elementary where I taught kindergarten ! Both of our children played in the DHS band under his leadership. What a legacy! We are most thankful for beautiful memories. Rhoda Joyner
Noreen Bergin
I had the honor of knowing Ellis for only a few short years, but he brought so much into my life, more than he could ever know. Ellis was very special to me; much more than caregiver & client. He was a true southern gentleman- kind, caring and witty. My time with him was a privilege that I will always treasure.
Forever in my heart Ellis. ❤️
shirley pope
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Ellis was a wonderful family man and loved by all. Shirley Pope
Jo Anne Luke Woodall
Mr. Mills was a wonderful band director and friend. I was honored to be in his first band class at DHS where I played a lowly third chair clarinet and was a Majorette. He was very patient with those of us who really had no instrumental skills. Thank you Mr. Mills!
Marty Avant
I have so many fond memories of Dr. Mills and his family. My heart breaks for you at his passing. He was one of the most influential adults for me during my high school years. I still carry that with me even today.
Rickey Bray
Mr. Mills had a great influence on my life, with the love I had for playing saxophone in band, and varsity football. He gave me the incentive to do my very best in both with his kind-hearted understanding. I loved our trips to play in the Cherry Blossom Festival, along with the exposure for Decatur High School.
After playing in the marching band in the 9th grade, he understood my love for football too, and to be on the varsity football team, allowing me to participate in all class activities, even being a part of the symphonic band outside of football season. His students best interest, and happiness was his primary concern. A testament to him as a compassionate leader.
Please accept my condolences to family, and friends. Mr. Mills loving soul for his st
udents will always be cherished within me. Thank you, Mr. Mills. R.I.P. 🙏🙏🙏
George Hickman
Like everyone who got to know him well through the years, I have very fond memories of Ellis. As I recall, he was always upbeat with a keen and ever-ready sense of humor. He was one of those positive and optimistic people who made the world a better place day in and day out. My sincerest sympathy on his passing.
Cynthia (Leverett) Young
My condolences to the Mills family. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I wanted to be in band but my mother would not let me. Prayers for the family and friends.
Sloan Thrasher
With deepest sorrow for your loss, and prayers for your family for strength and comfort.
Dr Mills was one of the most important teacher, and my favorite. He played an important part in keeping me in high school, was always supportive and encouraging. He treated everyone in our band as special. One of my role models for sure!
C/O 74
Tena Poteat
Polly, so sorry to hear of your loss. Ellis will be remembered as a great teacher, family man and neighbor when we lived in Stone Mountain. Love and prayers for you and your family. Milton and Tena Poteat
Veronica Edwards
My sincere condolences to the family, Decatur High Class of 1978.
Frederick Armstrong
Deepest sympathy and prayers of strength to the family
Thomas Underwood
I did a practice teaching stint with Ellis in Decatur schools in 1976. I learned much more than music from him. I learned about how to live life with kindness and integrity. He also had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all the faculty at DHS. A finer man you’ll never find. I know he’s now in the place of the blessed. My deep condolences to Polly and all his family.
Jennifer Collins Kearns
Auditioning for a spot on the Flag Corps in1973 was intimidating but so worth it because you knew that you were going to be part of a wonderful half time show. Every two weeks a new routine was learned in the parking lot at DHS and practiced to perfection. Coordinating Band, Majorette, Drill Team and Flag Corps was never a problem for the visionary Mr. Mills. With our heavy wooden flagpoles, he would direct us where and when he wanted us to be, never criticizing but with explicit directions. I still remember those marching steps. A great Man. Condolences for the family.
Polly Ross Wallace
I remember well my trips to Newcastle as a drill team member for not one trip but two. I was able to attend as a freshman and a senior. Great memories and thankful for his taking us on the wonderful exchange experience. While I took chorus under Dr Halsey, I was well connected to Dr Mills for those trips and performing all half time shows under his band direction. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Class of ‘82.
Jean Eickhoff
Polly,
This is Jean Renfroe Eickhoff, Mae and Carl Renfroe’s middle daughter. Though I never got to know you and Ellis very well (since Jerry and I graduated from Decatur in 1964), I heard your names much of my life. I remember distinctly how excited Dad was when Ellis accepted the band director’s job. Having known y’all in Waynesboro, Dad knew how talented Ellis was and that he’d be a perfect fit at Decatur High. Your acceptance brought my parents much joy!
Jerry and I were so sorry to hear of Ellis’s recent passing and just wanted to send our love and condolences. ❤️
Jean and Jerry
Paul A Ray
Such a sad day, learning of the passing of Ellis. He was unquestionably, the finest human being I have ever known. His leadership characteristics in so many areas are immeasurable. God bless you Ellis, you taught us well. Our thoughts and prayers are naturally with Polly and their family. Y’all had such a great husband and father.
Gail Weber Mewborn
I, Gail Weber Mewborn, am representing the Weber family in offering our sincere condolences to the whole Mills family on your loss. Our boys, Billy and Timmy Weber (Bill and Tim) began school at Winnona Park School. Polly, you were Timmy’s first teacher at Columbia Presbyterian Church. He couldn’t wait to leave for school each day. One funny anecdote—in elementary school one could begin playing an instrument in fourth grade. Husband Bill happened to stop by the school the first day of band for the fourth graders. He came home saying he had never seen or heard anything like it. He said Dr Mills stood in front of them like he was conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra even though the sound was horrendous. By Christmastime, they actually sounded like beginning musicians. That is a special man.
Marcia L McManus
I was so honored to be one of Ellis’ many friends at Hope Arbor. I looked forward to seeing him each week, chatting, playing games, and helping him in any way I could. He always came up with something quick witted which was totally unexpected. We all loved him so much at Hope Arbor. We are all so lucky we got to spend precious time with him.
Pat Freeman
I was so sorry to hear this. Dr. Mills was the most influential person in my life during HS and beyond. He created a family with the band program at Decatur, and it was his work and person that influenced me to follow in his footsteps in the music education program at FSU and then teach music at Clarkston HS for a few years. He modeled what a wonderful person should be like for so many, and we were so very fortunate in having that 4-5 years with him that expanded that exceptionally positive influence. He not only taught music, he taught us what a family was, why relationships and working together as a team was essential, and important, and fun. He created joyful memories for thousands. He was loved and will be missed. Thank you for sharing him with us all.