On Feb. 6, 2018, we witnessed our hero fade from his story. His race was finally run.

He left this world the proud husband of Brenda Kay Williams Mills, his lifelong love. He was at home with his son and family, Darren and Amy, Savanna and Camren, and his daughter and family, Erica and Philip, Alisha and Robert, Anna and Michael, Isabella, Shadow and Kasey, and too many friends to mention.

His last weeks were spent in laughter, tears, sentiments, stories, memories and so very much love.

Born on Nov. 12, 1949, Roger Dale Mills was the son of Stamey and Marie Mills. He was raised in Iredell County with siblings Rose, Ron and Debbie.

He married twice. He was a factory employee, a steel mill worker, a stocker, a cashier, a dishwasher, a salesman, a mechanic, a fire fighter, a paramedic, a police officer, a security guard, a courtroom bailiff, a Girl Scout pack leader, a truck driver, a guitar player, banjo picker and ukulele player. He was a Harley Davidson loving, Polk County Sherriff’s Office badge carrying, gun toting, most epic human he could be.

As per his instruction, there will be no funeral services. True to the type of life they’ve lived, the family participated in his celebration of life before its end.

Condolences and prayers for his family may be shared by postal mail or in person, at 189 Coyote Pass Lane, Rutherfordton, NC 28139, or left online on his former Facebook page.