Earl Victory Mills was born to James Raleigh and Ada Pauline in Live Oak, Florida on April 26, 1921. After 103 abundant years, he left for his heavenly home on May 3, 2024.

The youngest of 4, he grew up working on the family farm, something that would become a lifelong passion of his. Earl enlisted in the Army in November 1940, and in June of 1943, he was assigned to Headquarters Company of the 502nd Airborne Parachute Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, also known as "The Screaming Eagles." On June 6, 1944, he jumped out of the door of a C-47 over Normandy, France during the D-Day invasion. He continued combat in Holland during "Operation Market Garden" as well as in Belgium during "The Battle of the Bulge" until he was wounded by an overhead artillery burst. After being treated, he was sent back to the front lines. He always gave glory to God for his safe return home from the war, and humbly never viewed himself as a "hero." On December 21, 1945, Earl decided to re-enlist in the Air Fore,where he would go on to become Master Sergeant in the 11th Bomb Wing Aircraft Inspection Department inspecting KC-135 and B-52 aircraft.After a long, decorated career, he retired from the Military on February 2, 1961 and moved back to Live Oak, FL. He began to raise chickens on his family land for Gold Kist, and would later go on to become a rural carrier for the United States Postal Service until he officially retired on February 29, 1980. At this time, he stopped raising chickens and started raising cows, which he would continue to do up until the last few months of his life. He loved to sit on his back porch and watch the cows graze over the farm.

On June 16, 1948, Earl married his sweetheart Myrtle Hardee, and was forever thankful for the 66 blessed years they were able to spend together. He missed her tremendously and longed to be reunited with her in heaven.

Earl is survived by his daughter Kathi (Wally) Weaver, who he was fortunate to have as a devoted "nurse"; his son, Kelly, who he was grateful to have as a constant companion;  two grandchildren, Josh and Sarah Weaver Miller (Todd), who brought him so much joy; his sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Folsom (Howell) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Whenever asked what was his secret for a long, healthy life, Earl would always say there wasn't one. He credited his long life first and foremost to God, along with family, good eatin' and hard work. He will be remembered as a fierce prayer warrior, and family man who was quick to smile and always looked on the bright side of things.

He will forever be missed by his family who looked to him as their "bright and shining star." Please keep them in your prayers today and in the days ahead.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in the Tiger Lake Baptist Church with interment following in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until service time at the church.