Mrs. Millie Lucille Wingate, beloved wife of the late Claude Nolan Wingate passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at the Warner Center in Fernandina Beach.

Born on December 31, 1933 in Woodbine, GA, she was one of seven children and the only daughter born to the late James Robert Miller and Viola Agnes Carter Miller. While attending a square dance in Woodbine in 1948 she met her future husband and Yulee native, Claude Wingate. The courtship lasted two years until they would marry on the front porch of her childhood home on August 19, 1950.

Mrs. Wingate had managed the Beach Skating Rink in Fernandina for a number of years before she and her husband became the owners and operators of the Reef Drive Inn Movie Theatre from 1969 until 1981.

Mrs. Wingate and her husband were both raised listening to Bluegrass and Gospel music which continued throughout their lives together. They often times hosted gatherings of musicians at their home with her playing the guitar and Mr. Wingate chiming in on his harmonica. They enjoyed their planned trips in the family RV to attend Bluegrass Gospel Festivals throughout the Southeast.

The Wingates had been faithful supporters of Five Points and Springhill Baptist Churches of Fernandina Beach and most recently Blackrock Baptist Church of Yulee.

Mrs. Wingate was a Volunteer at the Baptist Hospital in Fernandina Beach.

Her husband of 64 years, Claude Wingate passed away on February 26, 2014. She is also preceded in death by a daughter, Claudine Lussier and a grandson, Greg Dyal.

She leaves behind a daughter, Debbie Rehm and her husband, Joe, a son, Kenneth Wingate, a brother, Chester Stephen Miller, four grandchildren, Arthur Howington, Jaime Wingate, Ryan Dyal and Michael Wingate, six great grandchildren, a great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Blackrock Baptist Church with Reverend John Kasper and Frank Camarotti, officiating.

Mrs. Wingate will be laid to rest in the Wingate Family Cemetery, Kings Ferry, FL.

Her family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 � 7:00 pm at Oxley Heard.