James C. "Boss" Mills, 86, of Prosperity died peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at his home. Born May 27, 1930 in Prosperity, he was a son of the late Willie Lee and Nettie Barnes Mills. James graduated from Prosperity High School and in 1951 graduated from Newberry College with a B.S. degree playing basketball for three years. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. Returning to Prosperity, he met Joan Boozer and they were married June 1, 1958. Together they owned and operated Piggly Wiggly #89 Supermarket for 40 years. During those years, he served on the Prosperity Town Council for two terms and was one of the five founding members of the Mid-Carolina Country Club. He was a trustee at Epworth Children's Home in Columbia, SC from June 1991 – June 1998. This position played a big role in his life. He was an avid golfer and pool player and was the Mid-Carolina Club Golf Champion for the years 1971, 1974 and 1976. He was a lifelong member of Wightman United Methodist Church and served faithfully in many leadership roles for his congregation. He was given the nickname of "Boss" while operating the Piggly Wiggly as he will always be remembered as the "Boss Man". The family of James Mills thanks all of his employees and faithful customers who supported him while he operated Piggly Wiggly #89. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan B. Mills; a son and daughter-in-law, Drs. William (Billy) and Camille Mills of Conway, SC; a daughter and son-in-law, James and Paula Stewart of Prosperity, SC; four grandchildren, Caroline Mills, Luke Mills, Will Stewart and Ryan Stewart. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Dr. Leslie Mills and sisters, Allene Brissie and Edna Bedenbaugh. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, April, 4, 2017 at the Wightman United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Brian Rainwater, Rev. James Counts, and Rev. Herbert Stephens. Interment will be in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lee Duncan, Scott Crouch, Richard Kimsey, Roger Long, Rodney Epting, Cody Caldwell, Larry Spotts and John Hunt. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Francis Asbury Sunday School Class. Memorial expressions are suggested to Wightman United Methodist Church, PO Box 367, Prosperity, SC 29127; Epworth Children's Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250; or Newberry College, 2100 College St., Newberry, SC 29108. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.