The Rev. Clyde Allen Mills of Sun City Lincoln Hills, California, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 87 while getting ready for church on Sunday, July 19, 2020. He was born on Feb. 12, 1933, and grew up in a Christian home in the Beverly area of South Chicago, the youngest child of Roy Irvine Mills and Lettie Mizen Mills.
As a teenager, Clyde moved with his family to Martin, Michigan, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Martin High School (class of ’51). Following his time at Martin High School, Clyde enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. Upon returning, he was introduced to the future love of his life, Gerrie Hyman, a spunky Jewish girl from Kalamazoo. Gerrie was forbidden from dating non-Jewish boys, but tradition was no match for Clyde’s charm and persistence. Following a whirlwind romance, Clyde and Gerrie eloped.
After confronting some of life's challenges, Clyde recognized a void in his life. On July 25, 1958, after hitting rock bottom, Clyde asked Jesus to come into his life, forgive him of his sins, and make him into the Christian he should be. A few years later, Clyde felt called into full-time Christian ministry at Pine Ridge Baptist. After graduating from the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music (now Cornerstone University), he pastored at East Algansee Baptist Church for 21 years. For over 50 years the Rev. Mills pastored congregations in Quincy, Michigan; Naples, Florida; and Lincoln, California. Pastor Mills was passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people find peace with God. He led countless individuals to Christ and was intentional about discipleship, whether on the softball field, golf course, or across the dinner table. He loved the Word of God and was committed to spending time studying and praying each day. Pastor Clyde and Gerrie have led hundreds on Bible Prophesy tours to Israel since the 1970s.
Clyde is survived by his wife Gerrie, who filled his life with love and laughter. They were married for 66 years. He is also survived by his four children, Mike (Ellen), Andy (Cathy), Tim (Michelle), and Lori (Mark Welch); 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). Clyde loved to laugh. His unmistakable laugh could be heard at McDonald’s where he traditionally met the family every Saturday morning. The family is at peace knowing Clyde ran the race well and is now with his Savior Jesus. Clyde will be laid to rest in the beautiful foothills of Northern California at Manzanita Cemetery in Lincoln, California.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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