Basil Dewey Mills Jr.

Basil Dewey Mills Jr., 71, of Princeton, WV passed away on Monday June 6, 2022, at Princeton Community Hospital. Born on August 16, 1950 in Crumpler, WV he was a son of the late Basil and Ruby Irene Perkins Mills. Dewey and his brother Calvin had after-school chores of bringing in wood, coal, and water. Dewey lived a hard life growing up and into adulthood. Dewey was a very kind and humble man; he was soft-spoken and would anyone help if he could. Dewey was also a member of the basketball and track teams while at Montcalm Jr. High and Montcalm High school. After graduating from Montcalm High school Dewey enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. and served in Vietnam in the Saigon area from 1969-1971. He received a Purple Heart Award after being shot while in combat. After returning home, Dewey worked at Jenkin Jones and Buchanon Mines for 35 years. During his free time, Dewey enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers-in-law, Jack and Joe. In addition to his parents, Dewey is preceded in death by his wife, Violet Virginia Thompson Mills. Survivors include his son, William Mills of Montcalm, WV; brothers, Calvin Mills and wife Mary of Montcalm, WV, and Gary Mills and wife Becky of Virginia; sister Patricia Sudderth and husband Jack of Bluefield, WV; and one granddaughter, Haley Mills of Montcalm, WV. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home chapel in Bluewell, WV with Rev. Dr. Doug Hyndrich officiating. Friends may call from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the funeral home. Committal service and burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 3:00 PM where the Mercer County Veteran Honor Guard will conduct full military graveside rites. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV is serving the Mills family.