Mr. Joe Mills, 81, of Cannon, passed away Monday morning, November 17, 2025 at his home. He was born May 21, 1944 at Cranes Nest, the son of the late Roy and Maggie Pearlie Smith Mills.
Joe was a former employee of Peoples Natural Gas and a member of the Green Road Baptist Church. He found joy in simple things in life. He loved to collect and trade guns and knives. Joe also enjoyed attending church, hunting, fishing and tending his garden. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
On July 1, 1967, he united in marriage with Betty Joyce Smith and to this union two children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Everett, Harold Gene and Clyde Mills.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 58 years, Betty Mills of Cannon; two daughters, Melisia Mills and Sherry Osborne and husband, Tony, all of Cannon; two treasured grandchildren, Jacob and McKenzie Osborne; sisters, Beatrice Patton of Barbourville and Irene Abner of Heidrick; brothers-in-law, Tim Smith of Boone Height, Herbie Smith and wife, Nannie Mae, of Boone Height and Leon Smith and wife, Cledia, of Corbin; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted at the Green Road Baptist Church Friday, November 21 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Mickie Smith and Travis Tedders officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Hammons Cemetery at Girdler.
Casket bearers will be Tony Osborne, Jacob Osborne, Tim Smith, Jamie Abner, Kenny Abner and Kenny Deaton. Honorary bearers will be the adult men at Green Road Baptist Church, Carson Gilbert, Doug Helton, Luster, Smith, Donald Smith, Charles Miles, Mike Smith, Mike Taylor, Dr. Steven Morton, Dr. Rachel Harper, Dennis Sharp, John Simpson, Norman Steele, Mark Cox and Bluegrass Care Navigators.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday between 6 and 8 P.M. and at the church Friday after 11 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of JOE MILLS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
