Obituary - Shelby Mills

Mr. Shelby Mills, 80, of Woollum, passed away peacefully Monday morning, June 16, 2025 at his home, leaving this Earth for his Heavenly home.  He was born February 5, 1945 in Knox County, the beloved son of the late Wootson and Mamie Bargo Mills.
Shelby was a former heavy equipment operator and a devoted member of the Horn Branch Baptist Church, where he joyfully sang in the choir.  His passion for gospel music extended beyond the church as a former singer with The Gospel Servants and he found great joy in playing the guitar, sharing his love of music with those around him.  Shelby’s greatest joy, however, was his family.  He treasured every moment spent with them, especially his grandchildren, whom he dearly loved.
On June 1, 1967, he united in marriage with Loretta Smith in Barbourville and to this union three children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Faye Gray; brothers, Stanley, Lentus and Dellas Mills; parents-in-law, Cecil and Bertha Smith; sisters-in-law, Linda Mills and Nella Napier and brothers-in-law, Bobby Brown, Gary Gray and Leroy Smith.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 58 years, Loretta Mills of Woollum; children, Donna Strack and husband, Chris, of Corbin, Gina Messer and husband, Dennis, of Barbourville and Pamela Jones and husband, Eric, of Corbin; treasured grandchildren, Hannah Ratliff and husband, Jake, Rachel Renfro and husband, Josh, Shelby Tate Mills, Regan and Lauren Messer; sisters, Mona Jean Brown and Wanda Messer both of Barbourville and Brenda Kay Bingham and husband, Danny, of Celina, OH; a brother, Dallas Mills of Hopkinsville; sisters-in-law, Prudie Smith and husband, Elvis, of Cranes Nest, Betty Mills and husband, Rick, of Cannon, Carolyn Sizemore of London and Patricia Smith of Cannon; brothers-in-law, Hersel Smith and wife, Kathy, and Glenn Dale Smith and wife, Rebecca, all of Woollum; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, June 22 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Johnny Shell, Rev. Ricky Broughton and Dennis Messer officiating.  He will be laid to rest in the Smith Family Cemetery at Burton Branch.
Casket bearers will be Hersel Smith, Chris Strack, Dennis Messer, Tate Mills, Jake Ratliff and Josh Renfro.  Honorary bearers will be Glenn Dale Smith, Dr. Khan, Dr. Lohe and staff and home health nurses, Haleigh and Susie.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Sunday prior to the funeral hour.
Flowers are appreciated, but if you wish, contributions may go to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/ in Shelby’s memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.