Garold E. Mills, also known as “Jerry” “G.E.” and “Big G”, 88, of London, died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at the Ohio State University (OSU) Medical Center as a result of a fall earlier that month.
He was a graduate of Stokes Township High School in South Solon and attended Wittenberg University. When he was 73, he earned a degree in business administration and management from California Coast University in 2002.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was known by many as the longtime dealer principal of Mills Chevrolet Old Pontiac in Richwood. He was also the owner and operator of Richwood Auto and Farm Supply and Advantage III Group in Columbus. He was also the past owner of Mills Auto Supply in the area of New Carlisle and Dayton.
He was a charter member of Northridge United Church of Springfield, where he was a member of the choir for 50 years. He was also a longtime member of Mitchell Hills Country Club. He was a former member of the local Springfield chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America and was twice recognized with the chapter’s annual “man of note” award.
His special interests were OSU athletics, basketball and golf. His passion was baseball, having played in minor leagues in Ohio and Indiana for the Springfield Giants and Marion Cubs.
He was born Dec. 18, 1929, in South Solon, to the late Florence (Cox) and Segal Earl. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Howard, Harold and James, and sisters, Louise, Margaret, Ruth and Betty.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons, Steve (Mindy) of Delaware, Randy (Cynthia) of Dayton and Rick (Jane) of Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren, Kelly, Chris, Adrienne, Jennifer, Meghan and Natalie; and great-grandchild, Eleanor.
A memorial service will be held at noon Friday at Northridge United Church, 4610 Derr Rd., Springfield. Friends are invited to visit prior to the service during greeting hours, from 10 a.m. to noon. Arrangements are being handled by Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home & Crematory, 103 N. Main St., London.
It is requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be make to Open Hands Free Store of Springfield. Contributions may be made to Northridge Church by calling 937-399-1909.