Ray Mills

Ray Mills, 91, Monticello moved to his Heavenly home Saturday evening, May 17, 2025. Ray was born September 26, 1933, at Bright Shade, KY to the union of Ethel and Homer Mills. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gerry and the following children: JoAnne Gregory - Manchester; David (Susan) - Monticello; Danny (Linda) - Tampa, FL; and Belinda Plvan (Dave) - Union.

 

He is survived by the following Grandchildren:  Chris Mills (Kacie) - Walton, KY; Morgan Mills Silva (Josh) - Miami, FL;  Dylan Plvan - Union, KY; Matthew Mills (Harley) - Monticello, KY;  and Carmen Mills - Miami, FL; Luke Bristow (Brooke) - Winchester, KY; Rachel Bristow Gregory (Phillip) - Monticello, KY; Tex Hoskins (Kelsey) - London, KY. Two great-granddaughters: Annalee and Arlie Mills.

 

He is also survived by brothers: Harold "Jackie" Smith (Joyce) - Manchester; Clifford Mills. Sisters: Josephine Jackson, Imogene Clark. Nephews Gary, John, Jimmy Pat Mayer plus nephews Scott and Dwayne Smith. He is survived by a host of other nephews and nieces, including special niece - Jenny Mayer.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Katherine Mayer, brother Walter Smith, Jr.

 

Ray was born at Bright Shade, KY. He first attended Red Bird Mission, where in the 7th grade he picked up a basketball for the first time. He fell in love and thus began his lifelong involvement with basketball.  He played at Oneida Baptist Institute before he began his career at Clay County High School. From his tribute at Legends Hall: "In only two seasons at Clay County High School, Ray Mills established himself as one of the premier players in the state of Kentucky. He received All-District and All-Region honors in 1952 and 1953 as well as, All-State Honorable Mention in 1952 and first team All-State in 1953. He led his team to a 13th Region runner-up finish in 1952 and the school’s first regional championship in 1953. He scored more than 1,000 points in his high school career. A crowd favorite, Mills was known for thrilling the crowd during warm-ups with his incredible dunking abilities. Following his career at Clay County, the 6′4″ “jumping jack” received a scholarship to the University of Kentucky where he played for the legendary Coach Adolph Rupp and was a member of the track team."

 

While at UK, Mills was the leading scorer and rebounder on an undefeated freshman squad and for the next three years played an integral role on three successful UK teams. Ray graduated from the University of Kentucky, but he had been drafted by the government. Mills participated in the graduation ceremony on Friday and two days later he left for basic training with the National Guard. While on furlough, he married his high school sweetheart Gerry Gregory from Manchester.

 

Following his playing career, Ray enjoyed success in the coaching ranks leading Wayne County High School in Kentucky, as well as Roosevelt Junior High and Hamilton High School where he continued and maintained a successful career.  He loved to coach and donated his time coaching church teams and assorted other teams whenever there was a need. His love for basketball was very important until the very end when he recently rallied health-wise to cheer on his beloved UK Wildcats.  

 

Ray has been inducted into the Clay County High School Hall of Fame, the Oneida Baptist Institute Hall of Fame, the Wayne County High School Hall of Fame, the Dawahares-KHSAA Hall of Fame and most recently the Monticello Pool Hall Wall of Fame. The main thing that Ray would everyone who talked to him to know was that he gave God all the credit. He was proud to be a Christian and loved the Lord. The influence he had on countless athletes and people throughout his lifetime is immeasurable. He would say, "If I don't see you again, I hope I see you in Heaven."

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to: House of Blessings (P.O. Box 932,  Monticello, KY 42633); or Clay County Historical Society / Clay We Were Museum (202 Main St. - Manchester 40962);  or Oak Grove Baptist Church (6520 KY 1275, Monticello - 42633; or Oneida Baptist Institute (11 Mulberry St. Oneida - 40972).

 

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 23, 2025, between 11 am - 2 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.  

 

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.