Walter Hardy Mills, Jr.

W. Hardy Mills, Jr., born in Raleigh, N.C. passed away peacefully on March 18, 2018. He was the son of W. Hardy Mills, Sr. and Jessie Quinn Mills. He was predeceased in death by his wife, Frances Taylor and son Blakeley Quinn, sister Myrtle Mills Hilton and brother Robert Edward Mills. He was a member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Hardy was defined by WWII as were so many from his generation. During WWII his Army Field Artillery battalion landed in North Africa and Italy. He remained in combat under General Mark Clark until the war ended. He fought in the battle for Anzio and ultimately the surrender of Rome. Three battle stars and a Presidential Citation were awarded to his infantry division. He was assigned to be one of the first divisions to go to Japan when the war in the Pacific ended. He served from 1942 - 1945. After graduating from Louisburg College, he married Mary Frances Taylor.  He then began a long career with Edwards & Broughton Publishers in Raleigh. Retirement years were enjoyed by travelling with friends in the U.S. and Europe. His fondest memories were attending Field Artillery reunions which he organized all over the country.  He was chosen to receive his companys battle flag from his commanding officer due to his efforts to keep his men united.  He was also a founding member of the Ole Raleigh Boys organization.  This group still meets today after 30 years. He was very proud to continue these connections with friends from Raleigh. Hardy  is survived by three children, Ann Mills Grant (Howard), Roswell, GA;  A. Hardy Mills (Pat), Raleigh, NC; and T. John Mills, Jensen Beach, Fl.  He is also survived by brothers, John A. Mills (Arkansas) and William B. Mills, Thomasville, NC. He had 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on April 14th at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home 831 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.  The memorial service will follow there at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Agape Hospice Care 1395 S. Marietta Pkwy, Suite 730, Marietta, GA., 30067 or Oakwood Historic Cemetery 701 Oakwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27601.