Roy “Keith” Mills

Published 11:50 am Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Roy “Keith” Mills, 93, passed away at Forest City Hospice on May 24, 2025.

Keith was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A lifelong resident of Polk County, he was born in Cooper’s Gap to the late Gaston and Sarah Jane Wilson Mills on November 30, 1931.

He was the youngest of a large family of 8 brothers and sisters. He proudly served in the US Army and married Nellie Lookadoo in 1955. They settled in the Green Creek community and lived there for over 65 years.

He was employed at Landrum Mills as a machinist for 52 years and 10 months. He loved gardening and always gave away produce to family, friends and neighbors.

Keith and Nellie visited 48 of the 50 states.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters: Aberdeen Jackson, Eva Mills, Lula Mills, Dorothy Hudson, Helen Webb Bradey, Elsie Ruff and two brothers: Thomas Mills (infant) and Festus Mills.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Nellie Lookadoo Mills of the home. Son, Roy Mills (Evelyn) of Landrum, SC. Daughter Shirley Mills of Hickory, NC. Daughter Elaine Broome of Conover, NC. Grandsons Jared Broome (Erica) and Connor Broome (Katlean) of Newton, NC. Granddaughter Riley Mills of Durham, NC. Great-grandchildren Briggs and Adalynn.

The family will have a private graveside service.

Petty Funeral Home

Landrum