Vernon “Pete” Mills, Jr.

Madison, AL resident and Covington, KY native Vernon “Pete” Mills, Jr, age 71, was born December 4, 1952 and passed from this life on April 18, 2024 at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, AL following an extended illness.

An Engineer with the Missile Defense Agency, he was a searcher of knowledge. He worked his way through night school to obtain his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, then his Master’s degree from University of Tennessee Space Institute, and then finally his PhD from the University of Alabama Huntsville. He had many interests, was an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, racquetball player, and even learned to play the dulcimer later in life. A dedicated father and coach to his sons and supporter of his grandkids journeys, he will be missed by all who called him “friend.”

He was the son of the late Edward Epperson.

Pete was married June 11, 1976 to Patricia Marie (Smart) Mills, who loved and took care of him faithfully. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Shane (Ivy) Mills of Owens Cross Roads, AL and Ryan (Ashley) Mills of Madison, AL; grandchildren, Trenton, Stephen, Owen, Sam, Barrett andAmelia Mills; and dear and beloved friend Steve (Beverly) Woodlee of Centertown, TN.

Visitation will be held on Friday April 26, 2024 from 6pm to 8pm at the Legacy Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory in Madison, AL.