Kendall “Drew” Mills: Lumberton
1932 – 2025
Kendall “Drew” Mills of Lumberton passed away on Friday, Sept. 26. He was 93.
A native of Tabor City, he was born to the late Waylon Brice Mills and the late Alma Harrelson Mills.
Drew served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from East Carolina University in 1958. While there, Drew met his wife of 68 years, Nancy Lynn McNeill.
He earned his CPA certificate and became an original partner of S. Preston Douglas & Associates accounting firm in Lumberton, where he was employed for 15 years. He subsequently left for Greenwood, where he worked as Controller for Self Memorial Hospital from 1973-74. He was recruited by Southeastern Regional Medical Center and returned to Lumberton in 1975. His career at SRMC spanned 21 years where he served as Controller, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President, Finance and Treasurer before retiring in 1995.
Drew was also active in the community, including The Kiwanis Club of Lumberton and Methodist Men of Chestnut Street Methodist Church.
After retirement, Drew volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was also instrumental in starting the AARP Tax-Aide program in Lumberton. As a financial enthusiast, he participated in several investment clubs. He enjoyed traveling extensively, which included visiting many states and every continent. He also loved spending time with family, particularly annual vacations at Ocean Isle Beach.
Drew is survived by his wife, Nancy McNeill Mills; his three children, Leslie Drew Mills (Carol) of Wake Forest, Laura Beth Snyder (Michael) of Cary, and Stuart Gray Mills (Pam) of Knightdale; one brother, Dale Brooks Mills (Linda) of Lexington; a sister, Lana Annette Tompkins (Arthur) of Dillon; six grandchildren, Alec, Kristin, Ashley, David, Austin, and Allison; and many special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Waylon Harrelson Mills.
An informal visitation with family and friends was planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in the Asbury Hall of Chestnut Street Methodist Church, 200 East 8th Street in Lumberton.
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