Orville L. Mills, Jr.

Orville L. Mills, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer that spanned more than 20 years.

Born in Salisbury, Maryland, in 1948, Orville was the son of the late Orville L. Mills, Sr. and Mildred Emma Marie Matthews. He attended school in Salisbury and later graduated from business college, where he met the love of his life, Gloria. They were recently blessed to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary.

After graduating business school, Orville moved to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He began his career with Pavlik Electric Company, where he served as Vice President and General Manager for 10 years. He later worked for Comfort Inc. as Electrical Manager and Sales Manager for another 10 years. He then joined George Sherman Corporation after being recruited by Dean Sherman, who would become one of his closest friends. Orville went on to serve as Vice President and General Manager of both George Sherman Corporation and Sherman Heating Oils. Together, over the past 35 years, Orville and Dean helped build the companies into two of the most respected and successful businesses in the area.

A dedicated member of his community, Orville was active in the Jaycees for many years. He was a member of the Milton Jaycees during the 1970s and 1980s before joining the Lewes Jaycees, eventually serving as State Vice President. He was a member of several local Chamber of Commerce’s. Orville was also deeply committed to his faith. He joined Lewes Presbyterian Church in the early 1970s and faithfully served as Treasurer for many years. Later, he became a member of Wesleyan United Methodist Church, where he also served as Treasurer. He generously gave his time as a volunteer Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, making a lasting difference in the life of a young person.

Orville had a passion for Corvettes. He purchased his first Corvette in 2005 and went on to own 13 of them, all but two in his favorite color, red. He was a proud member of the Beachcomber Corvette Club, serving as president for three years, as well as the First State Corvette Club, Coastal Corvette Club, and Eastern Shore Corvette Club. Through these clubs, Orville and Gloria enjoyed traveling, discovering new places, and forming many lasting friendships.

When he wasn’t working or enjoying his Corvettes, Orville and Gloria loved taking trips to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they spent many happy days attending live theater performances.

Above all else, Orville loved his family. They were his greatest pride and joy. He was devoted to his faith, enjoyed a career he truly loved, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone looking to buy or sell equipment or cars. He was known for his generosity, wisdom, and willingness to help others whenever he could.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Orville L. Mills, Sr. and Mildred Emma Marie Matthews; his brother, David Mills; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Mills; and his brother-in-law, Wesley Parker.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Gloria Mills; his children, Vivian Mills, Eric Mills (Avyane), and Daniel Mills (Brandi); his adopted daughter, Carrie Ruark; his cherished grandchildren, Shelbi Mills, Austin Mills, and Carissa Stevens; his lifelong friend, Dean Sherman; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Orville will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to his family, his remarkable work ethic, and the kindness and friendship he shared with everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Short Funeral Services in Georgetown, located at 609 E Market St, Georgetown, DE. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm at the same location. A burial will immediately follow at Harbeson Cemetery in Harbeson, DE. In celebration of Orville, we ask that you consider wearing his favorite color, red.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services in Georgetown, Delaware. Online condolences may be shared at: www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com