Raymond Alva Mills Jr
Sep 10, 1945 - Aug 31st, 2022- Birth Date: Sep 10, 1945
- Death Date: Aug 31, 2022
- Funeral Date: Sep 30, 2022, 10:00 am
- Location: Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas
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Biography: Raymond Alva Mills, Jr. passed away August 31, 2022. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Dorothy (Shirey) and Raymond Alva Mills on September 10, 1945.
Ray is survived by his wife of 29 years, Pam, of Little Rock, his daughter, Julia Kelle Mills of Little Rock, two step-daughters, Tracy Ball (Bobby) of McKinney, Texas, Shannon Hood (Jim) of LaGrange, Georgia, his Uncle Dr. C.E. Ballard of Little Rock, four step-grandchildren: Alex Hutchison and Austin Stamper of LaGrange, Georgia and Brenden and Caley Ball of McKinney, Texas. He was affectionately called "Hooray" or "Grandpa Hooray."
Ray graduated from Central High in Little Rock in 1964 where he lettered in track and field. During this time he was a part of the Garage Bands of Little Rock and was the singer for the Starfires. He joined the Marine Corp in 1969 serving honorably in Vietnam where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was an avid golfer recording two holes in one (War Memorial Golf Course in Little Rock, Arkansas & Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, California.) He enjoyed fishing and traveling, especially to Carmel, California. He enjoyed music and had a once in a lifetime experience when Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers asked him to sing "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" with him when he was stationed in California. Bill asked him if he wanted to sing the high part or the low part. Ray said he would take the high part. Chicago and the Allman Brothers were two of his favorite bands. He followed the Arkansas Razorbacks and would often listen to the Arkansas Travelers baseball games on the radio.
He was born and raised in the First Church of the Nazarene where he was a longtime member of the choir and a featured soloist. He sang at many funerals where the song most often requested was "The Anchor Holds."
The family would like to thank the Central Arkansas Veteran's Health Services for the excellent health care he was provided over the past years.
A memorial service will be held on 10 am Friday, September 30, 2022, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
If you would like to remember Ray, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
May God comfort you through his word the Bible and the gift of prayer. Thinking of you all.
My sincere condolences on Ray’s passing.
Teresa
Petals & Plants
He loved life through sports and especially music. My condolences to each family member and praying for comfort during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will be praying for you and your family during this loss. May God comfort you.
I send my sincere sympathy on Ray's death. He was a unique individual with a wonderful voice, friendly and approachable. Kelle, he was openly so proud of you and your accomplishments. Pam, he was coddled and spoiled by you for so many years. When Dorothy May said you took very care of him, it was a certainty. I'm sure by now Ray has been waylaid by both his mother and dad and pumped for all the latest news from here. May the grace of God comfort you, the presence of God support you, and the goodness of God allow good memories to bring genuine smiles to your hearts.
God bless,
Phyllis Brents
Romans 8:24-25
My sincere sympathy on Ray's death. He was a unique individual with a ready smile and a remarkable voice, friendly and approachable. Kelle, he was openly so proud of you and your accomplishments. Pam, he could not have been more coddled or cared for than by you. When Dorothy May said you took very good care of him, you know you succeeded. No doubt he has already been waylaid by both Dorothy and Raymond and pumped for all the latest news from here. May the Lord's grace comfort you, His presence support you, and His goodness allow good memories of Ray as a healthy, active man to bring smiles to your heart.
God bless,
Phyllis Brents
Coni Gibson
Coni Gibson
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. My deceased brother, Bob Staley, was a friend of Ray's and as such, he was often in our home during our high schools days. He was a kind, sweet guy with a great smile and laugh. May you find peace and comfort in your precious memories 11+4of Ray.
I SEND SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, UPON HIS END-OF-LIFE.