Norman Mills

Mr. Norman Eugene “Gene” Mills, 92, of Sharpsburg, ended this life’s journey early Thursday morning, January 19, 2023; when God lit the path leading him home to join his wife of 58 years, Ruth Virginia Hutson Mills.

Born July 10, 1930, at the top of Fairview Mountain, Clear Spring, he was the twelfth of sixteen children of Harry Milton “Bruffy” and Bertha Belle Mowen Mills.

Gene was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country as a Sargent during the Korean War, and was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge.  His unit was with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment; and received the Presidential Unit Citation. He was a long-term member of American Legion Post 10 Boonsboro.

Following his discharge from the Army in 1954, Gene began working for the J.B. Ferguson Company, later becoming R. F. Kline Construction.  He retired in 1991, with 37 years of service.

Later he worked seasonally with the Washington County Park and Recreation Department, serving at PenMar, Doub’s Woods, Halfway & Devils Backbone parks.  In 1994 he began his position at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center and became the unofficial “Ambassador” for Washington County. Due to eye vision issues he retired  in 2018 at the age of 88.

Mr. Mills enjoyed gardening and farming; and was a master at carpentry and woodworking.  His potatoes were recreated and used for displays within the National Park Service; and wood working skills apparent in such places as the National Park Service in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and  historical structures in Hagerstown and Mercersburg.

Surviving is his daughter, Jeanie M. Mills of Sharpsburg; his devoted cat, George; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Esther Moore, Nellie O’Dell, Edna Pike, Frances Chaney, Marguerite Resh, Betty Hornbaker, and Bessie. Frederick, Clifton, Harry, Charles, Paul, Sherman, Benjamin, Robert and David Mills.

His daughter wishes to thank his Hospice of Washington County care team, his VA doctors and Meritus E.R Physicians of whom one finally provided a viable diagnosis.  Their wonderful care allowed him to remain in his home.

The Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Hagerstown, is handling the arrangement.  A service with honors will be graveside Monday, January 23, at 1:00 PM, at Mountain View Cemetery, 299 East Main Street, Sharpsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland  21713 or  visit the Museum/Village, attend an event at the facility,  volunteer with one of many organizations using the Ag Center for agricultural related events and youth development.

Those desiring may offer condolences to the family at www.akcoffmanfh.com.