Gary Leonard Mills

Gary Leonard Mills, 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday with his family by his side. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at West Nash United Methodist Church in Wilson on Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 pm, immediately followed by visitation with his family.

Gary was born on December 23, 1950, and raised in Mount Airy, NC the only child of S. Leonard Mills and Doris Parks Mills. As a child he was active in Boy Scouts, where he reached the rank of Eagle Scout - an achievement he carried with pride throughout his life. In 1973, he graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and later attained his Professional Engineer licensure, the highest standard of the engineering profession.  After graduating, Gary began working for the City of Wilson.   In April 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Wayburn Moretz, who would be his partner for 49 happy years.  A few years later, they welcomed their two precious children, Jason and Diana.

Gary was friendly and well-liked and had a habit of making circles of close friends wherever he went. He retired from the City of Wilson in 2007, where he spent 32 fulfilling years building life-long relationships with his work family.  He was also a previous officer in the American Public Works Association (APWA). Gary loved his church family at West Nash United Methodist Church, where he served the church community in roles that varied from finance committee chair, to chicken pot pie chef. Gary was an avid car enthusiast. He was very active in the North Carolina MG Car Club, where he served as current club president and editor of the newsletter. He spent many joyful days traveling with the club over the years, to places as far-flung as Nova Scotia and Niagara Falls.

Gary spent his retirement doing what brought him joy - spending time with his children, their spouses, and four grandchildren. He enjoyed a number of family camping trips. He and Wayburn spent many sunny days criss-crossing the countryside in their convertible MG, spending time together and soaking up life. Gary is one of the lucky few who died doing what he loves - traveling, being with his beloved wife, and living his life to the fullest.

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Wayburn Moretz Mills; his son Jason Mills of Raleigh, his wife Elizabeth and their son Parks; his daughter Diana Windley of Winston-Salem, her husband Paul and their children, Savannah Jane, Zeno, and Penelope; his brother-in-law Dewitt Moretz and his wife Sarah; as well as beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Doris Mills.

If you wish to memorialize Gary’s life, please send gifts to West Nash United Methodist Church at 2200 Nash St. NW, Wilson, NC  27896.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.