Memories Magazine
A Reflection of Life:
Faith, Family, Football, Education, & Love
CELEBRATION OF LIFE HONORING
Saturday, March 2, 2024
1:00 p.m.
Garden of Prayer No. 7 3101 Cove Road NW Roanoke, VA 24017
Interment
C C Williams Memorial Park 943 Westside Blvd NW Roanoke, VA 24017
Elder Mark W. Turner Sr. Host Pastor
Bishop Jessie L. Britt Officiant
1:00-1:35 OPEN VIEWING
1:35-1:50 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated Memorial Service
1:50-2:00 REFLECTIONS OF LIFE
Jason Thomas, Hampton University Football Team
Tony Walker, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE .........................................Pastor Melton Johnson
First Baptist Church, Salem, Virginia
HYMN OF COMFORT................................................................Anita Durham
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE..........................................Rev. Kelvin Mattox
First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, VA
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE.................................Minister Andre Marshall
Shabach Outreach Ministries, Durham, NC
PRAYER OF COMFORT.......................................................Pastor Larry Foust
Whosoever Will Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC
SELECTION.................................................................................The Polk Duo
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Page High School...........................................................................Eric Naglee
Family.................................................................................Rev. Corwin Casey
First Baptist Church, Radford, Virginia
SELECTION...............................................................................Chelsi Majette
EULOGY..........................................................................Bishop Jessie L. Britt
Follow Christ Fellowship Church, Greensboro, NC
RECESSIONAL HOUSE MUSICIANS
Roots of Resilience: Tracing the Journey from Childhood to Family Bonds
Russell Antoine Mills came into this world on April 27, 1977, at Burrell Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia, to his beloved parents, the late Edward Russell Mills and Julia Coles Mills. On February 20, 2024, Russell passed away peacefully at his home in Salisbury, North Carolina. Russell, the cherished only child of his parents, grew up in a home filled with love, alongside his loyal dog, Brutus.
During his early years, Russell found happiness in the simple joys of childhood, often playing outdoors with friends and visiting his neighbor Travis's house. He also cherished time spent at his babysitter/grandmother's home, where laughter and fun were always abundant. Russell's love for music grew as he learned to play the saxophone during his middle school days, and he was thrilled when his father gifted him his first car, a Hyundai Sonata.
As he transitioned into adulthood, Russell began his first job at Harris Teeter, where he showed dedication and a strong work ethic. He graduated from William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Virginia, as part of the class of 1995, and earned a full scholarship to play football at Hampton University, where he thrived both on and off the field.
Beyond his many achievements, Russell's devotion to his family was unmatched. He deeply cared for his parents and always made sure they were taken care of. Alongside his faith in God, Russell's love for his family was the foundation of his life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Russell was a big guy with a heart of gold. On the football field, he was tough, but off the field, he was gentle and caring. He always looked out for others, was encouraging, and had a great sense of humor. He loved spending time with young people, cherished his family, and valued his friends and cousins deeply. Russell had a big smile that could light up a room, and everyone loved being around him. Even when he wasn't feeling well, he would still call to check on his friends and family.
He enjoyed playing games and joking around, and he was just an all-around amazing guy who will be greatly missed.
"A big heart is not measured by size, but by the love it holds."
- Unknown
The Gridiron Glory
Russell was an accomplished high school and collegiate football player. The 6-7, 330-pound offensive lineman was recruited to Hampton University by Coach Joe Taylor. Mills was a stalwart on the offensive line, helping lead the Pirates to a 32-14 record, two appearances in the NCAA I-AA Playoffs, and the 1997 Black National Championship from 1995 to 1998.
With Mills anchoring the offensive line, Hampton boasted a 1,000-yard rusher in three of Mills’ four years on the team. In addition, four running backs rushed for more than 200 yards in a game behind the blocking of Mills.
A four-year letterman, Mills was a Sports Network All-American in 1998. In addition, he earned first-team All-MEAC recognition in 1998 and was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year.
His successful collegiate career created an opportunity for him to intern with the Charlotte Bobcats and to serve as a member of the Cleveland Browns Football Operations and Player Personnel staff. After playing semi-pro football in California, he returned to the tidewater area and completed his degree in Sports Management from Hampton University in the spring of 2005 and began his extensive coaching career that spanned more than a decade.
Russell Mills was not only an exceptional football player during his high school and college years, but also a devoted fan of his favorite team, the Las Vegas Raiders (formerly the Oakland Raiders). Win or lose, he remained steadfast in his support for them, unwavering in his loyalty.
Transformed TO
SERVE
At the age of 18, Russell embraced his faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He expressed this commitment through baptism at the First Baptist Church in Salem, VA. Upon relocating to North Carolina, Russell continued his spiritual journey as a devoted member of the Follow Christ Fellowship Church in Greensboro, NC.
After faithfully attending services for a year, Russell solidified his dedication by formally joining the ministry on July 28, 2013. Throughout his involvement, he served in various capacities, including as a vocalist on the Praise Team, a Trustee, and co-leader of the Next Level Ministry, which provided guidance and support to young adults aged 18-29. His unwavering devotion was further demonstrated when he was appointed as a Deacon in Training during the Fall of 2023.
The Mission in Life
Educate to Elevate
Coach Mills began coaching at Page High School (Greensboro NC) in 2010. This experience began his journey to becoming an educator. He served as part of the coaching staff that led the 2011 team to the State Championship. In 2014, he became part of the support staff and worked in various capacities to include In-School Suspension Behavior Support Personnel, Graduation Coach, and Assistant Athletic Director. His teaching career began within the Exceptional Children Department as a Co-Teacher, followed by him serving as a teacher within the Occupational Course of Study Department until the time of his passing. Additionally, he served as Co-Lead for Teen Voyage, a leadership initiative for African American males designed to lead them on a more positive path. Mills was loved by the staff and students.
The pathway to impacting students led Coach Mills back into the classroom as he was currently enrolled at Greensboro College. He set his sights on receiving his teaching licensure and was well on his way to completion in May 2024.
"To this end, the greatest asset of a school is the personality of the teacher."
–John Strachan.
“True love stories never have endings.”
For the
For
the Love
Love
of Macon
of Macon
_On_May_29;_2023;_he proposed;_and_she_said_yes@ His_courtship_with_Camille included_him_becoming_a_Dad to_their_daughter_Reid_or_as he_affectionately_called_her_
On_the_evening_of_January_24;_2021;_Russell_went on_his_first_date_with_the_woman_he_would _eventually_fall_in_love_with_and_aim_to_make_his bride@_The_romance_between_he_and_Camille_was selfless_with_a_strong_foundation_in_that_they mutually_agreed_to_do_things_God]s_way_and prayer_was_an_intricate_part_of_that@_In_a_journal message_dated_May_23;_2022;_Russell_wrote; ZToday_I_am_in_heavy_remembrance_of_our journey_to_this_point;_and_it_has_been_great@_I]ve been_looking_at_our_pics;_texts;_and_just_thinking about_the_little_things_we_do_for_each_other@_This_is good@_I_pray_that_the_Lord_continues_to_shine_his
light_on_us_and_prepares_us___ for_the_future@_I_thank_the Lord;_she_chose_me_to_be her_King_because_she_is without_a_doubt_my Queen@[
ZSuperstar[@_Their_two_families_immediately_ meshed;_and_it_felt_as_if_they_had_beentogether_ forever@__As_a_family;_they_spent_countless hours_playing_games_of_Black_Uno;_Kick]em Out_the_Classroom;_or_Cornhole;_giving_Head_ ZTaps;_having_long_kitchen_conversations_with_Zthe_girls[ NSuperstar_and_KayO_about_life_Nand_boysO@_He_gained_the_family he_always_desired_and_made_Salisbury;_NC_his_home@_His immediate_family_plans_included:_He_and_Camille_taking_the girls_to_Disney_World_for_Spring_break;_he_and_Superstar_getting a_French_Bulldog_in_early_summer_and_training_it_together_and getting_married_to_his_beloved_bride_in_summer_2024@
The Great Reunion
Father and Son
Forever Friends
Russell_is_preceded_in_death_by_his_father;_Edward Mills@_He_leaves_behind_a_legacy_cherished_by_many@ Among_those_who_hold_dear_memories_of_him_are_his mother;_Julia_Coles_Mills;_residing_in_Roanoke;_VA; and_his_fiancée;_Macon_Camille;_alongside_their beloved_CSuperstarC_Reid_from_Salisbury;_NC@_Russell is_also_survived_by_a_multitude_of_relatives; godchildren;_nieces;_nephews;_friends;_fraternity brothers;_students;_mentees;_colleagues;_and neighbors;_all_of_whom_were_touched_by_his_presence and_will_continue_to_carry_his_memory_in_their_hearts@_ Until_we_are_all_united_again;_we_thank_God_for_giving us_a_precious_gift@__
We_love_you_Russell_A@_Mills
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.”
—MAYA ANGELOU
Moments To Remember
In every memory, there is a story worth telling.
Thank You
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part.
It Couldn’t
Done
Be