Benjamin "Buck" T. Mills, Jr., 94, of Newberry, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Born October 10, 1930, in Newberry, he was the son of the late Benjamin Tillman Mills, Sr. and Juanita Long Mills.

Buck enjoyed attending Bush River Baptist Church, proudly served in the SC National Guard, and was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge. For more than 30 years, he worked at The Newberry Observer, where he retired to enjoy his family, gardening, and peaceful afternoons on the porch.

A true collector at heart, Buck had a passion for antiques and could often be found carefully restoring them by hand.

Above all, Buck cherished his family. He and his beloved wife, Ruby Nell Hughes, shared more than 65 years together. To his family, he was not only a source of wisdom and strength, but also a gentle presence who made each person feel deeply loved. His daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember him for his warmth, his quiet humor, and the way he lit up when talking about them.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen M. Stone of Newberry; granddaughter, Kristy S. Barnes Krell (Keith) of Chapin; great-grandchildren, Ashton Barnes and Kali Krell; and sister, Barbara Riser.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his grandson, Ben Stone, and siblings, Beatrice Riddle and Cornelia Pitts.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Bush River Baptist Church with burial in Rosemont Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bill Attaway, George Bemesderfer, Keith Krell, Brandon Krell, Jesse Morris, and Jamie Weir.

Memorials may be made to Bush River Baptist Church, 8936 Bush River Road, Newberry, SC 29108.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mills family.