Ray Mills, a former University of Kentucky basketball player and 1957 SEC champion, passed away on May 17, 2025, at the age of 91 in Monticello, Kentucky, leaving behind his wife, Gerry, and children.
Born on September 26, 1933, in Bright Shade, Kentucky, to Ethel and Homer Mills, Ray Mills discovered his love for basketball in the 7th grade at Red Bird Mission.
All thanks to his outstanding skills and talent, Ray earned All-State honors in 1953 and led his team to their first regional championship.
Known as the “Jumping Jack,” Ray Mills scored over 1,000 points in high school, earning a scholarship to play under legendary coach Adolph Rupp at Kentucky.
From 1954 to 1957, Ray Mills was a standout forward for the Wildcats. He led the freshman team in scoring and rebounding, going undefeated, and went on to score 262 points and grab 316 rebounds in 67 games.
During his time at UK, the team won the SEC twice, reached one Sweet 16, and made two Elite Eight appearances, losing just 14 games overall.
Mills also competed on the UK track team, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Ray Mills and Gerry Were Married for Almost 7 Decades!
Former basketball player Ray Mills is survived by his wife, Gerry, and four children: JoAnne, David, Danny, and Belinda.
Gerry, originally Gerry Gregory from Manchester, was Ray’s high school sweetheart, and their love story began in their hometown.
After graduating from Kentucky, Mills was drafted into the National Guard.
The couple married while Ray Mills was on furlough from the National Guard, shortly after he graduated from the University of Kentucky.
Their wedding took place just two days after Ray walked across the stage to receive his degree.
Ray Mills and Gerry were married for 67 years until the former basketball player took his last breath. They built a tight-knit family of six, comprising their four children, JoAnne, David, Danny, and Belinda.
His daughter, Belinda, penned a lengthy eulogy expressing her grief:
My Dad has gone to Heaven. He was an amazing Father, Papaw, man, friend, coach and all around good person!! I’m so thankful that I was Blessed with such a wonderful Dad!! He will be missed tremendously and I know I will think of him everyday!! I was able to spend his last few weeks on earth with him and for that I am very grateful!! As my niece said to me, we now have a guardian Angel watching over us!! He touched many people lives and I know he heard “Well done good and faithful servant!!
Belinda Mills Plvan
Whereas his son, David Mills, updated his cover picture into one featuring Ray Mills and Gerry, a silent tribute to his father.
Later, Ray Mills went on to coach at Wayne County High School, Roosevelt Junior High, and Hamilton High School.
His passion for basketball extended to coaching church and community teams, and he remained a devoted UK Wildcats fan until the end, even rallying in his final days to cheer them on.
He also leaves behind his beloved eight grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and several siblings and nieces. Ray Mills was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.
His legacy lives on through his induction into multiple halls of fame, including Clay County High School, Oneida Baptist Institute, Wayne County High School, Dawahares-KHSAA, and the Monticello Pool Hall Wall of Fame.
Funeral services were held on May 23, 2025, at Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in Monticello, with burial at Elk Spring Cemetery.
During this ordeal, we offer our condolences to Ray Mills’ wife, kids, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Ray Mills!
