After a short, courageous battle with cancer of the liver, Wilmer Hastings Mills, 41, died at his parents' home in The Plains in Zachary, Monday, July 25. He was surrounded by his family. He was a resident of Sewanee and Chattanooga, Tenn. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Kathryn Sinclair Oliver Mills; his children, Benjamin Oliver Mills and Phoebe-AgnŠs Sinclair Mills; his parents, Wilmer Riddle Mills and Elizabeth Jennings Mills; his grandparents, Albert and Kathleen Mills; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Greta Barbour Mills; his sister and brother-in-law, Kate and Charles Irby; his sister, Jenny Gueltig; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by grandparents Robert and Virginia Jennings. Wil was a graduate of McCallie in Chattanooga as well as of both the College and the School of Theology at Sewanee, the University of the South. "And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach." (Chaucer). Wil was a renaissance man who pursued all things Godly, true and beautiful, and who shared those things as well as himself generously with others. He is respected as one of the foremost poets of his generation; his work was included in the Penguin Anthology of Contemporary Younger Poets and the Swallow Press Anthology of New American Poets; his publications include a book, "Light for the Orphans," and numerous poems published in the most prestigious journals nationally and internationally. He passed on his love for poetry to students as a Kenan Fellow in Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and as Writer-In-Residence at Covenant College, as well as in many poetry readings and lectures. Wil was awarded the McCallie Distinguished Alumni Award for his achievements. Wil also painted, with art shows in Sewanee and Chattanooga; he wrote and performed music, worked as a carpenter and sawyer, wove white oak baskets from trees he felled himself, renovated two log cabins, built his own house, which was written up in Southern Living, made furniture, grew gardens, and baked bread in a wood-fired bread oven he had made himself. The name of his bread oven was "Companis," the Latin root word for "companion," which means "with bread." Breaking bread at the Lord's Table as well as with family and with friends was at the core of Wil's life. He was a companion who will be missed by many. Visitation will be Friday, July 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Plains Presbyterian Church, Zachary. Visitation resumes at the church on Saturday, July 30, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Graveside service at the Young Family Cemetery, Zachary. Arrangements by Charlet Funeral Home Inc, Zachary. Condolences may be sent to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/wilmills1.
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Dear Wilmer, Betsy, Jon and Jenny and family,
I am so sorry Wil passed. But, know you can take great comfort he is with our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
I am writing today because it has taken me so long to write due to my new bride's illness , praise God she is about 50% better. I intend to follow this up with a hand written, more personal note soon. I wanted to write something today. Boy, do I feel as though I have not done much with my life although I know I have done my best before God considering my having health problems after reading Wil's Obit. Love in Christ, Cousin, Christopher Moore - My wife Shay and I will continue to pray for you all.
Christopher Moore
August 19, 2011
Dear Kathryn: I am truly saddened by this news and thinking about you. My prayers go to you, your children and your family during this time. May your husband rest in peace.
Sahar Amer
July 31, 2011
Wilmer and Betsy,
So saddened by the loss of your precious son. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Lucy and Walter Earl
July 30, 2011
Dear Betsy and Wilmer, Katherine and I were so sorry to hear of your son's untimely death. We are praying for you and Wil's family for the Comforter's Love to fill and strengthen each of you as only He can. In Christ's Love, Fenton
Fenton Rutledge
July 30, 2011
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,and the God of all comfort; be with you.(2corn.1:3) love you much.
Carrie Elaine Johnson
July 30, 2011
Dear Betsy, Wilmer, and family - I am very saddened by your loss, and sorry not to be there. I will see you next week. Love and peace to you all. Betty Jameson Verdino - (Missouri City, Texas)
July 29, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of great loss. May GOD guide and comfort you in the days ahead.
Mark Hurst
July 29, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Wil's passing. The Mills family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Rachel Wildman
July 29, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Will's death. We remember Will and your family fondly. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Joanne & Cam Ratkovic
July 29, 2011
Mills family: some of my favorite memories were those I made with Wil. Music, laughter, simple living. Blessings to you. Your family is in my prayers.
Greg Geter
July 28, 2011
Our deepest condoences...
Claude and Mary Louise Nall and Family
Mary Louise Nall
July 28, 2011
May our gracious Lord continue to carry you in the days and years ahead.
Robert C Camenisch
July 28, 2011
Betsy and Wilmer, Wil behold's the face of God. I pray He comfort you and your family as only He can. With sympathy and love, Jan Jenkins
July 27, 2011
our thoughts and prayers are with you,the family of jack and rae lawson
July 27, 2011
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