Arnold Parker Mills Sr.

Arnold Parker Mills Sr., of Monroe, NC passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 12, 2024. He was born on May 27, 1937, son to the late Albert Baxter Mills and Minnie Parker Mills. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Carter Mills, sisters, Helen and Louise, and brother Avery.

Arnold was born and raised in Monroe. After graduating from Monroe High School, he joined the Navy for three years, where he played basketball on the USS Ticonderoga Aircraft Carrier, winning the fleet championship. After the Navy, he played football as a defensive end at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As entrepreneurs, he and his brother opened the first franchise of One Hour Martinizing in Virginia with many locations. Their love of motocross racing influenced them to build and found the Lake Sugar Tree Raceway in Axton, VA, which presently runs as Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports. Arnold was an avid motorcycle rider and a long-time member of the Blue Ridge Cycle Club in Martinsville, VA.

Arnold eventually moved his family to Monroe where he began another One Hour Martinizing that is still in business today as Mills’ Cleaners. As a long-standing member of First Baptist Church of Monroe, he served as a deacon and a standout bass singer in the choir. For many years, he enjoyed being a member of the Friendship Force of Charlotte where he traveled around the world serving as a friendly ambassador to many countries and hosting others in return.

He was a 32nd Mason and Shriner, a member of the Antique Tractor Club of Monroe, Duck’s Unlimited, and NRA associations.

After retiring, he enjoyed being an original member of the Alice Jules Coffee Club where he and his buddies met weekly to solve many of the world’s problems. In Hampstead, NC he was known as the “unofficial mayor of Broadview Lane” where he gave daily advice on his screened porch. He enjoyed boating, woodworking in his shop, painting pictures, working puzzles and most importantly cherishing time spent with his wife Sam, his children, his grandchildren and his friends.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in the chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia “Sam” McCarley Wells Mills, son, Parker Mills Jr., (Tracy), daughters, Susan Mills Echols, Jennifer Mills Hissam (Ken), Debbie Mills Ferguson (John), step-son, Jim Wells (Michelle), step-daughter, Debbie Custer (Barney), grandchildren, Morgan Mills Modaff (Jake), Allie Mills Intemann (Dylan), Louise Mills (Fiance Brian), Hannah Echols, Lauren Echols, Rachel Hissam, Carter Hissam, Baxter Hissam, Julia Wall, Jackson Wall, Jacob Ferguson, and Joel Ferguson, Carley Wells, Jimmy Wells, Byron Custer, Carson Custer, one great-granddaughter, Claire Modaff.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 West Morrow Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Mills’ Family.