Thomas Henderson Mills was born August 12, 1953, at Mobile Infirmary and died January 28, 2025. Tom grew up in both Evergreen, Alabama, and St. Petersburg, Florida. He was the son of the late Isaac Robert Mills and Mary Edward Page Mills.
Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years, Annette Olive Mills; four daughters – Mary Lauren Hartline (Michael) of Holly Pond, AL, Melissa Belle Mills of Austin, Texas, Norma Jeanne Mills of Cullman, AL, and Nina Paige Moss (Thomas) of Cullman, AL ; two brothers, Isaac Robert Mills, Jr. of Hartford, Alabama, and Wyatt Ashford Mills of Hartford, AL; his twin sister Belle Henderson Mills of Homewood, Alabama; five grandchildren, Mallory and Marissa Hartline, Hudson and Hannah Cherry and Ada Louise Moss, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Tom attended the Florida School for the Blind and the Alabama School for the Blind, Troy State University with a B.S. in Social Science and Business, and the E.H. Gentry Technical Facility in Talladega where he received his Blind Vendor Certification.
Tom was a fighter. He was born prematurely and fought to survive; he was blinded by a faulty incubator at birth and fought to overcome the challenges of dealing with blindness. He fought to accomplish the same goals as his three brothers and two sisters such as riding a bike while others yelled directions to driving a car in the cow pasture with his brothers directing. He fought for the rights of other blind people especially the Blind Vendors of Alabama. He operated vending facilities at Shelton State Technical College and Partlow State School in Tuscaloosa; then he moved to Cullman to operate the vending machines at the Cullman Rest Area, Post Office, and DHR.
Tom fought the good fight against Alzheimer’s but finally found peace in Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He would find rest from the fight.
Tom loved and was very proud of his daughters. He loved Alabama football, his dog Abby and most of all – his business. He loved to work.
Tom had so many friends though his school years, Vocational Rehab, the Blind Vendors, neighbors and those he interacted with through his business such as Regions Bank, Pepsi, and Cobbs Accounting.
Tom was giving and generous to those who needed him. The family would like to thank CRMC, Cullman Healthcare and Rehab, and many others who helped him throughout his life.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.