Dalton L. Mills, Jr., Master Chief Petty Officer, USN (ret.) age 78, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Friday morning, July 8, 2016 at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Dothan, AL, he was the son of the late Dalton Lockard Mills Sr. and Cherry Mae Harrison. He grew up in Dothan where he was educated in the public school system. After completing high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he remained until retiring with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in 1974. After retiring from active duty he accepted a position as an Auditor with the Florida Department of Revenue where he remained until the early 2000s. Since retiring as an Auditor he has enjoyed time at home reading mysteries and studying astronomy.

Mr. Mills and his wife have been members of the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, FL.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Mills.

Mr. Mills leaves behind his wife, Barbara Mills, Fernandina Beach, FL, children, Melanie Mills, Jacksonville, FL, Dalton L. Mills III (Felli), Ewa, HI, John Mills, Dothan, AL, Christine Smith (Steven Foster), Easley, SC, Robin, Bello, Rock Hill, SC, Sandi Myers, CO, a brother, Drury Mills, Fernandina Beach, FL and many grand and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 14, 2016 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard Funeral Home.

Master CPO Mills will be laid to rest at 2:00 pm on Thursday in Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, at the funeral home, from 10:00 am until the hour of service.