Cleburn Mills

Cleburn Mills, 70, known as Clay to almost everyone, met Jesus, his Lord and Savior, in person this past Sunday morning, October 26, 2003, in Weatherford, Texas. Clay was a quintessential conservative, proud of his upbringing in Tomahawk, Kentucky, where he was born. He grew up in Akron, Ohio, was a member of the National Honor Society and Young Republicans at Garfield High School. He received a bachelors degree from Kent State University while working full time at Goodyear Aircraft, graduated in 3 years as a member of Army ROTC; received his commission as lieutenant in 1955 to be stationed in Japan.He met his future wife, Barbara Tinsley, in Japan and after their wedding in Virginia, he followed his dream to be a lawyer, graduating from the University if Texas Law School in May 1961.They moved to Fort Worth where Clay was with a corporate law firm, then went to General Dynamics as a lawyer handling their multitudinous contracts for 25 years.Since their move to Weatherford, 27 years ago, Clay has been an active member serving on many committees of First United Methodist Church, using his brilliant mind and dry wit to enhance his participation.Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Hester and Thurman Mills.Clay is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara of Weatherford; daughter, Catherine Nations and husband, Loyd; two grandsons, Bryce Clinton and Cash Aaron; son, Robert Thurman; sisters, Ann Wood and Mae Boyd of Akron, Ohio; brother, Larry Mills of Akron, Ohio; and numerous nephews and great nieces and nephews.