Dr. Francis Asbury Mills, Dmd

Dr. Francis Asbury Mills, DMD, 79, resident of Bamberg Highway in Hampton, husband of the late Beverly Ferris Mills, passed away Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, in the Hampton Regional Medical Center in Varnville.

Born May 28, 1946, in Ridgeland, SC, Dr. Mills was the son of the late David McCollie Mills and Mary Luelle Cook Mills. He was a graduate of Asbury University and went on to obtain his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Mills worked 54 years in dentistry at the same practice that he shared with his business partner and dear friend Dr. Jerry Frank Crews, Jr., and will be remembered for always being there to lend a helping hand to others. He based his life on Christian principles and values which illuminated to others any time they had contact with him.

Dr. Mills was an active face in the Hampton community who served as a Boy Scout troop leader even obtaining the Silver Beaver Award which is Scouting America's highest council-level honor for adult volunteers. He was also a former school board member for Hampton School District One and was a member of the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce who in 2024 chose him as the "Person of the Year"; one of the many accolades he received over his lifetime.

He was an active member and former deacon of Varnville First Baptist Church where he actively taught Sunday school for many years. Formerly, Dr. Mills was also a member and deacon at Hampton First Baptist Church for many years. He never missed a chance to minister to others about the love of Christ.

Surviving are his sons: Eric Scott Mills and wife Christina of Hampton, Christopher Todd Mills and wife Priscilla of Hampton, Tradd Asbury Mills and wife Cindy of College Station, TX; a daughter, Amy Mills Mixson and husband Josh of Cummings; a brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Ferris and wife Sue of Winston Salem, NC, and a sister-in-law, Margie Dawson and husband Dr. Larry Dawson of Atlanta, GA. There are nine grandchildren, Caitlyn (Jackson), Addie, Kaden, Payslee, Bella, Jesse, Storm (Noah), Kacy, and Cameron, and one great-granddaughter, Elora.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Beverly Jane Ferris Mills, Dr. Mills is predeceased by his siblings: David Mills, Jr., Elizabeth "Lib" Mills Goettee, Gerald Mills, and George Mills.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Monday, January 19, 2026, in the Life Center at the Varnville First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Kelly, Jr., with burial following in the Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 1 PM Monday prior to services in the Life Center and will last until the hour of the service.

The family requests that those who wish send memorials to Asbury University's nursing program.

Family members will be gathering at 204 3rd Street East in Hampton, SC 29924 on Friday and Saturday from 11 AM – 6 PM.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Mills family during this time.