John Christen Mills

John Christen “Chris” Mills was born on July 12, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, to Susan and John P. Mills. His family moved to west palm beach where he loved his days near the water. 

Chris attended the University of South Florida, where he got an engineering degree and was a member of a competitive waterskiing team. It was there that he met his wife, Patricia “Patti” Mills, on a blind date. Chris and Patti shared over 50 years together, building a life rooted in love, laughter and family.

Chris found joy in simple pleasures, especially tubing down the Santa Fe River, boating on East Crooked Lake, fishing anywhere he could, and his greatest passion of all, spending time on the golf course. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and he was deeply proud of the family and all they accomplished.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Susan and John P. Mills; his brother, John P. Mills Jr.; and his sister, Cindy Mills.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patti” Mills; his children, Kyle (Kim) Mills, Lauren (Nicole) Mills, and his cherished grandchildren, Reed, Camryn, Greyson, and Maya Mills. 

Chris was under hospice care and passed peacefully at home in the afternoon of January 16th, 2026, surrounded by his family. 

A celebration of life will be held in April of this year in High Point, NC. Details will be shared at a later date.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.