The family of Charles Kenneth Mills of Fredericksburg, VA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
What follows is a brief look at the life his family wishes to share.
Charles spent his working life as ['builder spanned many decades and scales'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith gave Charles a place to stand, and a place to return to.
Charles Kenneth "Kenny" Mills, 82, stepped into the arms of Jesus peacefully at home on Thursday, April 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Spotsylvania to the late Charlie Lee Mills and Ethel Mae Acors Mills.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Lynn Mills of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was the proud father of five children, Kevin Mills (Sherri), Tandi Brill (Tony), Shannan Pennington (Ronnie), Joshua Mills (Vivian Pérez-Mills), and Jonathan Mills (Janie). Kenny is also survived by his brother, Brad Mills (Kim) of Caroline County. He was preceded in death by his wife of 17 years, Brenda June Bullock Mills of Stafford, Virginia; and his brothers, Roger Mills and Danny Mills.
Kenny proudly called himself Grandad and Pop-Pop to sixteen grandchildren, Ben, Chris, John, Andrea, Lucas, Alyssa, Jessica, Riley, Sam, Layli, Esther, Tzeitel, Samara, Gedaliah, Oziah, and Dodi; and five great-grandchildren, Reign, Sam, Dallas, Crew, and Sloane.
Kenny's career as a builder spanned many decades and scales, from designing and building his own home to 30 years spent inspecting road construction and building and repairing bridges for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Always a "hands-on" Superintendent, he enjoyed working with his crew to develop better ways to meet the project demands. After retiring from the Highway Department, he went on to work for H & L Price, Inc., Site-Blauvelt Engineers, Inc., and Spotswood Baptist Church, sharing his immense knowledge of construction and concrete in each of those companies.
Working with his hands was Kenny's favorite activity and he was quick to help anyone with their projects, especially his children, as they each grew their own homes. Kenny's hands were always ready to hold his grandkids, "wrassle" with them, hug them tight, or share the inevitable ice cream treat. And his beloved pets knew the loving care of his gentle touch.
Kenny's deep faith in Jesus Christ shaped his life and his desire to be of service to others. As part of a mission team to Manaus, Brazil, he helped build a church for the community there. He taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon at Community Baptist Church, later becoming a Deacon at Spotswood Baptist Church and serving in the Widow's Ministry. He shared his faith in God by serving others and encouraging his children to put their faith in Jesus.
Known for his bright eyes and big smile, Kenny was a skilled craftsman, an avid storyteller, an aspiring fisherman and an occasional cowboy. Inspired by a childhood spent on his Grandpa Joe's farm, Kenny enjoyed keeping and tending a garden to feed his family. With a big heart and a laugh to match, he knew no strangers. He left a lasting impression on many by sharing the words of Jesus, King David, and John Wayne.
Kenny's Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Covenant Funeral Service. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial gifts to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or your charitable organization of choice.
