DOVER - Ralph Emerson "Sonny" Mills Jr., of Dover, died Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, at home. He was 73. Born in Milford on May 17, 1937, to the late Mary Elizabeth Patterson and Ralph E. Mills Sr. A graduate of Milford High School, class of 1955, Ralph then graduated from Goldey Beacom Business College in 1957 and East Carolina University in 1959 with degrees in both Accounting and Business Administration. He began his career as an accountant at International Latex Corporation (ILC) in Dover where he met his wife, Helen LaVere and the two were married on Dec. 2, 1961. A job transfer in 1969 took Ralph and his family to East Windsor Township, N.J., for 7 years but then returned to Dover where Ralph began his successful business career. Purchasing his first business in 1975, The Liquor Locker in Dover, Ralph then partnered with his nephew and went on to own several other businesses - the Hamlet Wine & Spirits in Dover, the Country Cupboard and County Liquors in Sandtown. A fifth business venture took him to Ocean City, Md., where he partnered with friends and his nephew to purchase a TJ Cinnamons Franchise. He was proud to have attained the rank of Eagle Scout and his many pastimes included bowling, crossword puzzles and Sudoku. With all his successes, Ralph considered his greatest accomplishment his family. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen LaVere Mills of Dover; three sons, Kevin David Mills and his wife Kim of Dover, Randy Emerson Mills of Dover, and Tim Mills and his wife Amy of Denver, Colo.; a sister, Patricia Gregg of Milford; grandchildren, Meghan, Rachel, Kennedy, Braeden, Hadley and Landen; a special cousin, Doris Willis of Milford; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life was 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends called one hour prior. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at
www.torbertfuneral.com.
