Harold Edward Mills, Sr.

Born on April 16, 1932, in Marysville, Missouri, and adopted by the late Don and Leatha Mills, Poppy was a man who brought an undeniable spark of joy, warmth, and adventure into the lives of everyone he met. A proud veteran of the United States Navy Reserve and Air Force, he carried a deep sense of honor throughout his life. 

He spent his professional career behind the wheel as a dedicated truck driver before retiring from ABF Freight, a role that perfectly suited his love for the open road. Poppy was an incredibly amazing person—a true one-of-a-kind soul who lived life to its absolute fullest. He was the definition of fun-loving, always looking for the next great story to tell or memory to make. Endlessly adventurous and vibrant, he famously refused to let age slow him down, even taking to the skies to go parasailing with his great-great-granddaughter at the age of 94. 

He lived for the thrill of the ride, whether he was traveling to new places, cutting through the water on water skis, enjoying a wild day at amusement parks, taking in the dust and excitement of rodeos, or admiring the roar of fast cars with loud pipes. He possessed a beautiful, childlike enthusiasm for life that was utterly contagious.Yet, for all his love of thrill and adventure, Poppy’s greatest strength was his immense kindness and gentle, loving heart. He was a man of profound warmth, always quick to offer a helping hand, a comforting embrace, or a sweet laugh that could brighten the darkest room.

Above all else, his true, unwavering passion was his family. His love was a fierce and steady anchor for those he held dear. He cherished every single moment spent with his wife, his children, and his many grandbabies, enjoying fun family outings and making sure every child in his orbit knew just how deeply they were loved.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Doris Mills (Underwood), with whom he shared a beautiful lifetime of love and partnership; his son, Harold E. Mills, Jr. (Sandra); his daughter, Terry Foster (Ricky); and several brothers and sisters.

Poppy is survived by his loving daughters, Patricia Stewart (John) and Judy Mills; his brother, Clifford Mills; his sisters, Betty Preston and Jerry Roark; and a rich legacy of 9 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward a piece of his joyful, generous spirit.

In accordance with his wishes, Harold will be cremated and remembered in a private family gathering, celebrating a life beautifully, loudly, and lovingly lived.

The family would like to thank Elite Home Health Care and Elite Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided during his final days. 

Poppy will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and relentless adventure will live on in our hearts forever.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com