John Daniel Mills, 85, of Columbus, passed away Sunday evening, Feb. 11, 2018, at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

Born in Polk County he was the son of the late Joe Lewis Mills and Eva Blackwell Mills.  He was a lifelong logger, working alongside his father and brothers. Mr. Mills served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict earning the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  He was a member of Midway Baptist Church, Columbus. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Mills and William (Brownie) Mills; two sisters, Ruby Bradshaw and Barbara Edney; two half-brothers, Neil Mills and Joe Mills; step-mother, Connie Tate Mills.

Surviving is one half-brother, Jack Mills (Patsy) of Columbus; and his life-long companions, Hoover 1 and Hoover 2.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Feb. 25, 2018, at Midway Baptist Church, Columbus with the Rev. Peter McDonald officiating.

Interment will follow in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Polk County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Midway Baptist Church New Life Camp Fund, P.O. Box 679, Columbus, NC 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Tryon, North Carolina