March 24, 1945 – January 31, 2026
Bennie Lee Mills passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at the age of 80 in Franklin, Tennessee. He was born on March 24, 1945, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Granville Mills; his mother, Flora Allen Mills, and sister-in-law Joanne Parks Mills. He is survived by his daughters Malinda Lee Mills White (Gary) and Melissa Joan Mills Carlson (Rick); his grandchildren Seth Alexander White (Lauren), Slade Elliston White, Kenzie Lee Carlson (engaged to Michael Daugherty), and Reagan Richard Carlson; three great-grandchildren, Elliston Rae White, Shephard James White and Roman Alexander White; brother Larry Mills; sister Mitzi Mills Curlee (Kevin) along with other cherished family members.
Bennie graduated from Tullahoma High School in 1963. Throughout his years growing up he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football. He appreciated and took pride in working at Mills Grocery Store, which was owned by his parents. He moved to Cookeville, Tennessee for several years to attend Tennessee Technological University along with working in various jobs. He landed with First Tennessee Bank where he worked for many years. He returned to Tullahoma in 1994 where he continued his work in banking for several more years. Later, he enjoyed working for himself as a handyman and made many friends along the way. In 2023, Bennie moved to Thompsons Station, Tennessee to be closer to both his daughters. Though, his love for his hometown of Tullahoma never wavered. Some would say he was the unofficial town historian. He loved to tell stories about the “old” days. His passion for family and friends will never be forgotten and will certainly be missed.
Visitation will be held with the family on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home with service to begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place afterwards at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma.
Active Pallbearers are Seth White, Slade White, Reagan Carlson, Mick Mills, Kevin Curlee and Rick Carlson.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Anderton, Beau Willis, Ward Mallory, Gerald Allen, and in-memory of Jimmy Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Tullahoma High School Athletic Department in Bennie Mills’ honor at 927 N. Jackson St., Tullahoma, TN 37388. With love, rest in peace!
Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertson.com
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