Roy Mills, 80, of Tool, passed away Sept. 24, 2025.
Roy was a 1963 graduate of Mabank High School. He and his brother Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy together in 1964 during the Vietnam War. Although together in basic training, togetherness ended there. Roy served out his five years of Naval service with two assignments, both overseas - London, England and Iceland where he was in telecommunications. Throughout his service time he never boarded a ship and wore civilian suits to work.
Roy has been married to his loving wife Rita for 35 years.
Roy would strive for the best whether in work or hobby. His working career was with AT&T as a Data Network Designer, one project included designing the Texas Lotto System. 
After retirement he contracted with 7-Eleven Corporation, where his efforts to eliminate obsolete landlines and modernize store data operations saved the company millions. After this extensive project he fully retired again.
Bowling was his favorite past time during his working years. Roy had several sanctioned 300 games – winning rings and watches as awards. He played in multiple leagues and managed a bowling alley in Dallas part-time while he continued to work full-time.
Retiring to Cedar Creek Lake, he enjoyed being outdoors whether doing lawn or garden work his high standard of perfection remained. His garden or small farm grew vegetables for his kitchen and the neighbors. Included in the harvest were black diamond watermelons, a personal favorite since his youth. Roy enjoyed playing and watching golf, especially with a grandson and spring-time lake fishing for crappie.
Having joined the Cedar Creek Lakers RV Club years ago, Roy and Rita made countless memories of traveling, camping, meals and laughter with these great friends.
Roy loved his church family at Christian Life Center in Gun Barrel City. He volunteered as a greeter and most recently mowing lawns. Hosting Bible Study at his and Rita’s home brought him joy.
Roy was preceded in death by his dad Willie Mills and mother and stepdad Claudia and J.T. (Peavine) Westmoreland.
He leaves behind his wife, daughters Melinda, Melissa (Lance) and Jenny, sons David (Stephanie) and Brian, grandchildren  Lacey, Cutter, Katie, Ashley, Hannah, Hunter, Nico and Alex, great-grandchildren Tillie, Lillie and Winnie, brother – Bill (Barbie) Mills, sisters Ann January and Donna(Glenn) Hyde, special aunt/friend Shirley Roman and numerous other family and friends.Roy will truly be missed.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Tunnels to Towers in Roy’s memory.