Local businessman to become U.S. Army Mortuary Affairs director

Clemonte “Monte” Mills photo by Bud Hardy / Neuse News

Big changes are coming for local business Mills Funeral Home, located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Kinston and established in 1966.

Clemonte “Monte” Mills is resigning as president and his brother, Craig R. Mills will step into the role and lead the family business into the next era. Mill's sister, Carlena S. Davis will assume the role of vice president. His cousin Gary F. Nobels will be the manager. 

Clemonte Mills will be moving to Landsthul, Germany with his wife, Aneis, and three sons Gavin, Jacob and Caleb to become the U.S. Army Mortuary Affairs director.

While in Germany, Mills will be part of a group that includes fellow mortuary workers and service members to provide mortuary support to all countries throughout Europe and Africa. They will be handling the search and recovery of remains from historical conflicts and World Wars. 

"The mission is we don't stop until the last person is home," said Mills of his new role.

During his nine years as active duty in the Navy, Mills spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Accommodation Medal. While in the military, he assisted with processing the remains of 22 Navy SEALs, most of them members of SEAL Team 6, the counter-terrorism unit that carried out the mission to find Osama bin Laden. 

While he will miss Kinston and the friendships he's built, he's looking forward to the new stage of his life in Germany. He's not opposed to returning as president when he has completed his 3-5 year term with the U.S. Army Mortuary Affairs. 

“For the last eight years it has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the families in Kinston and surrounding counties,” Mills said.