Richard Henry Bills of Mill Spring, N.C. died January 1, 2017, at the Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills as a result of a stroke. Born in Rochester, N.Y., October 25, 1936, Richard was the son of the late Fred and Jessie Bills of Canandaigua, N.Y.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jean Gresham Boles Bills. His children from a previous marriage also survive him; Ricky E. (Connie) Bills, Lynnette S. (David) Jones, Timothy F. Bills, and three grandchildren. He is predeceased by a brother, Johnny Bills.

Richard was a veteran of the United States Air Force, an avid pilot and follower of all things general aviation. He was worshiped by his four dogs, two cats and horse, in addition to wandering dogs, dogs of friends, and the Lake Adger deer.

Dick and his wife Jean moved to North Carolina from the Rochester, N.Y. area in 2007. He loved this area which reminded him of upstate New York, but without the frigid winters.

Richard will be interred at his family’s gravesite in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, N.Y.

Memorials may be sent to the Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 28722.

Submitted by Jean Boles