Jesse Elmer Mills Jr., 63, a resident of Washington, died Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at Vidant Beaufort Hospital. There will be a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Hillside Funeral Service, officiated by Stephen Kennedy and Tony Krantz. Burial with full military honors will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Harold Little (deceased), David Craft, Douglas Clark, Joe Purgason, Jimmy Warner, Roger Warner, Tim Coward and Craig Mercer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations and other times at the home of his daughter Jessica Mills, 349 Carrow Road, Chocowinity.

Jesse was born on Oct. 19, 1948, in Beaufort County, son of Jesse E. Mills Sr. and Aileen Buck Mills. He graduated from Chocowinity High School and served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He married the former Juanita Warner who survives. Jesse later worked as a car salesman for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Disabled Veterans.

Mr. Mills is survived by his children, Jessica Mills and partner Gloria Long of Chocowinity, Murphy Woolard Jr. and wife Kim of Washington, Patrick Woolard and fiancée Jennifer Tripp of Chocowinity, and Tristen Lewis of Washington; his sister, Patsy Mills Browning of Bath; his grandchildren, Kelly Woolard, Beth Woolard, Alex Amend, Zane Woolard, Emily Amend and Dawson Woolard and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jean Hodges and Jane Mills.

Memorials may be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and mailed to Commander Donald Sayers, 3247 Hwy 17N, Washington, NC 27889.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 U.S. Hwy 264 E, Washington, NC, (252) 975-4500), has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Mills family.