Richard Chester Mills

​Richard C. “Dick” Mills, 83, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 16, 1942, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Dick married the love of his life, Marlene C. Thoben, on June 25, 1966, in Middletown, New York. The two began their journey together with a honeymoon to Niagara Falls. They purchased their first home in Wappingers Falls in 1968, where they raised their family and built lifelong friendships. In 1995, Dick’s career with IBM brought them to Holly Springs, North Carolina, and after retirement, they settled in Pinehurst, where they enjoyed many fulfilling years.

A proud veteran, Dick served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, including a station assignment in Okinawa, Japan. Following his military service, he built a distinguished 37-year career with IBM, working in East Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and Raleigh. In retirement, he embraced life with enthusiasm—traveling with Marlene, woodworking, tending his yard and gardens, tackling countless DIY projects, and giving back to his community through Meals on Wheels volunteer work.

Golf was one of Dick’s greatest passions. A dedicated player, he enjoyed the game at least three times a week until very recently. He was a member of the IBM Country Club in Poughkeepsie and Whispering Pines Country Club. His skill and love for the sport led him to achieve three holes-in-one, including a remarkable one at age 79 at Whispering Pines.

Dick gave generously of his time to others, including many years as a Boy Scout leader in Wappingers Falls. He was known not only for his kindness, steady presence, and warm smile, but also for his love of a good debate, his endearing stubborn streak, and his unmistakably sharp sense of humor. These qualities made him unforgettable and added a spark to every conversation. Above all, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick is survived by his children, J. David Mills of Boulder, Colorado, and Wendy Mills of Wendell, North Carolina; his ​siblings; Deborah Kristoff-Dupuis of Sterling, Massachusetts, Paul Mills (Pam) of Dover Plains, New York, and Gary Mills of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; his nieces Krista Barto (Mills), Courtney Adams (Mills), Chelsey Mills; and nephew, Paul Mills. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bernice Mills.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care in Pinehurst for their exceptional care and loving support during Dick’s final days.

A memorial service in Dick’s honor will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Community Congregational Ch​urch’s Fellowship Hall in Southern Pines. Celebrant Ryan Jacobson will be presiding.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or to FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 251 Campground Road, West End, NC 27376.

Online condolences can be made at: PinesFunerals.com

Powell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mills family.