Gerald Wayne Mills Sr.'s Obituary
Gerald Wayne Mills, Sr., 82, Oxford, Florida went to be with the Lord on January 23, 2026. Gerald was born in Wildwood, Florida on July 11, 1943 to his parents Benjamin Theron Mills, Sr. and Hazel Estelle (Hiatt) Mills.
Gerald is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years: Sharon A. Mills of Oxford, FL; two sons: Gerald Wayne Mills, Jr. of Oxford, FL; Michael K. Mills, Sr. (Tina) of Oxford, FL; two daughters: Lisa M. Sterry (Todd) of Oxford, FL and Shellie R. Battles (Troy) of Callahan, FL; ten grandchildren: Evan (Breanna), Jacob and Austin Sterry; Emily and Michael Mills; Jackson and Clayton Mills; and Thomas Lee, Nancy and Seth Reumann and one great-grandchild: Peyton Mae Lee. He has loving twin sister: Linda Sue Wallace of Oxford, FL. He is predeceased by two brothers; Benny and Bobby Mills, both of Wildwood, Fl.
He was a member of the Wildwood High School Class of 1961. After graduation and a short stint with SECO, he went to work with Seaboard Airline Railway. Gerald retired from CSX Railroad as a Conductor for over 42 years of devoted service, also serving many years as the Secretary and Treasurer for UTU Local 1502. He was a lifelong resident of Sumter County, Florida. Gerald was a member of First Baptist Church of Wildwood. Member of the Wildwood Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Morocco Shriners of Orange Park, Florida.
After retirement in 2003, he began his second career and one he loved dearly. He became known as the “Florida Windmillman”. With his love of traveling, he would spend the next 19 years making people happy when he would install or fix a windmill. He went all over the county with his wife buying parts, purchasing and installing new windmills and towers. This was what he called, the best years of his life. During this time he accumulated another whole set of friends that would keep in touch for the rest of his life.
Gerald dearly loved his family and friends. His farm in Oxford was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay or a place to camp. He loved people just dropping by to visit and could keep people talking for hours. Once a year he would have a cane grinding party where as many as 250 would show up to watch the process, eat food and enjoy the fellowship.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Banks, Page-Theus Funeral Home Chapel, Wildwood, Florida. A Celebration of
Life Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:00AM at Banks, Page-Theus Funeral Home Chapel, Wildwood, Florida with Pastor Craig Attaway Officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Level Cemetery, Oxford, Florida.
The family has requested donations be made to the charity of one’s choice in Gerald’s loving memory.
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.bankspagetheus.com.
Link to Livestream Funeral Service: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/gerald-wayne-mills-sr
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