Funeral services for Orville Lee Mills, age 81, of Ashland will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Liberty Hill Church with Rev. Butch Summers and Pastor Noah Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
Orville Lee Mills was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Affectionately known as the Mayor of Harkins Crossroads, Orville was a man whose personality was larger than life. He never met a stranger, always had something to say, and had a special gift for making people laugh. To know him was to love him.
A proud Clay County native, Orville had a giving heart and was a sweet, loving, and supportive man who treasured his family and friends. He loved his wife, Sarah Mills, more than anything in this world, and the love they shared will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew them.
He was a proud father to Teresa Watts (Danny) and LeAnn Samsel (Jeremy) and a loving grandfather to Sommer White (Austin), Sarah Friederich (Glen), and Justin Samsel; also survived by sister, Bertha Lacosse; brother, Jerry Mills and brother-in-law, Francher Norris.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Mills; parents, L.O. and Annie Maude Landers and siblings Jeanette Mills, Earl Mills, Lee Mills and Sue Norris.
Orville was a man of faith who loved the Lord, his church family, and the community he called home. He also had a lifelong love for Auburn football and proudly cheered on his Tigers. War Eagle! Orville leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, love, and friendship. Harkins Crossroads has lost its mayor, but the memories and stories he leaves behind will live on for generations.
We find comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved Sarah and those who went before him, resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior. Heaven has gained another familiar voice, another beautiful soul, and surely one more Auburn fan. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Pallbearers will be Tim Smith, Kevin Kiser, Kris Herron, Jimmy Smith, Duane Nappier and Stan Brooks.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. before the service at Liberty Hill Church.
Condolences may be made on-line at benefieldfuneralhome.com
