Richard Boyd Mills

Richard "Dick" Boyd Mills, age 88, of Little Rock entered the gates of Heaven with a smile on his face on November 1, 2016 after a long life filled with love and happiness. Dick was born in England, Arkansas on May 21, 1928. He is preceded in death by his wife Josephine Mills, mother Ferne Tabor, and brother Monroe Mills. He is survived by his sister LaFerne Workman, son Marty (Audra) Mills, daughter Monica (David) Wilson, grandchildren Grant (Jackie) Mills, Kristopher (Lonni) Taylor, Madison Neville, Brittny (John) Giessmann, Marleigh Mills, Drake Wilson, and Cade Mills, and nine great-grandchildren. If there were ever a person who commanded respect it would be Dick Mills. He had the type of personality that made those around him strive to be better just from being in his presence. He reached many people through Willow Springs Waterpark, which he began working at in 1953 then purchased in 1960. Countless young men and women went to work for Dick at Willow Springs and this was where so many of them became adults. Often times using tough love, he taught these young people how to work hard and what was expected of them. Most of his past employees viewed him as a father figure and now look back fondly over their experiences at Willow Springs. His business also brought him the love of his life, Josephine. They met at Willow Springs in 1957 and began one of the truest love stories ever witnessed and a marriage of 57 years. Willow Springs was a huge part of his life, but it certainly was not Dick's only accomplishment. He was a member of the United States Navy, played football at the Little Rock Junior College, was a high school referee, an avid hunter, and he coached youth football. Playing tennis was another of Dick's passions, and becoming the Senior Tennis National Team Champions was a celebrated accomplishment. It is safe to say that Dick's second greatest love was Razorback Sports-football, basketball, or baseball-he loved them all. There will be a service for family and close friends to celebrate the amazing life of Dick Mills on Saturday November 5th at Sandstone Church of Christ. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. with the service immediately following at 10 a.m. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.