Charles Gene Mills

Charles Gene Mills was born on December 2, 1942 in Harlingen, Texas to Charlie R. Mills and Freda M. Mills. He passed away in San Antonio on March 30, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law James and Janice Mills, and in-laws Johnny and Antonette Krafka.

Charles was raised in Harlingen and was a 1961 graduate of Harlingen High School. While in high school he participated in car racing throughout the Valley, and spent many of his school lunch hours out on the roadways racing. He proudly served his country as a Private in the Army and a First Sergeant in the Air Force. Following an honorable discharge from his military service, he began a 40-year career in the insurance industry. He started as a claims adjuster, owned an independent insurance agency (Spillman Mills), and ultimately retired from surplus line insurer Quirk and Company.

Charles was actively involved in local politics in Harlingen, as well as at the state level. He was a member of the Jaycees where he refined his business and leadership skills and gave back to his community.

Charles lived a great life and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Over time, he hung up the guns and fishing poles and picked up a camera to capture the beauty of nature around him. He was an avid bowler for years, starting on a league with his employer and continuing in a couples’ league with his wife.

Charles always strived to lead and guide others to help them succeed in life, which resulted in close relationships with people throughout the years. As a Pee Wee and Little League baseball coach, he served as a mentor to countless children and imparted many lessons on the players that they still remember to this day. Nothing was ever more important to him than helping others.

Charles cherished the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia; his two children – Charlotte (Charles) Contreras and Ron (Patrice) Mills; and four grandchildren – Chelsea (Diego) Aussenac, Cierra Contreras, John Thomas Mills, and Meredith Mills. He is also survived by his sister Carol (Gary) Taylor, brother- and sister-in-law Fred and Carolyn Allbee, sister-in-law Barbara Krafka, brother- and sister-in-law Ronnie and Betty Pletcher, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at a celebration of Charles’ life on Sunday April 28, 2024 at the Magnolia Halle in San Antonio at 11:00 a.m. An online guestbook may be signed at:
www.meadowlawn.net