Scott Dean Mills

Scott passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at the age of 62, with his wife Melissa and his friend Bruce Callies by his side.

Scott was born on July 29, 1963, to Delbert K. and Marianne Mills in Jacksonville, FL.

There are some people who simply make life brighter, louder, funnier, and more memorable just by being part of it. Scott was one of those people leaving behind a lifetime of stories, music, laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories that will live on with everyone lucky enough to know him.

If you ever sat with him for more than a few minutes, chances are you wouldn’t walk away quickly. He had the kind of presence impossible to ignore that could pull you in; you just knew there was something special about him. He was a master storyteller in the truest sense, the kind of person who could pull you into a story so completely you felt like you lived it with him. Whether he was talking about his love for his wife, his family, cats (his kids), flying, or his wild times playing drums in Vyper, New York, and Prizoner … he had a way of making every memory come alive.

Music was part of his heartbeat. He lived music, whether he was studying the work of other musicians or playing his own; he loved sharing those moments with anyone willing to listen. Behind the drums, he brought energy, passion, a constant eye on perfection, and a rockstar stage personality… creating stories that became legendary to his friends and brought him endless joy retelling them over the years.

Taking pride in his work with ComonSpirit Health, he was meticulous and focused. He cared deeply about his role as a Voice Engineer and understood that even small mistakes could affect patients’ lives. He took that responsibility very seriously.

He loved the freedom of flying and showed the love of piloting his plane by taking friends whenever he could. For him, it was more than a hobby; it reflected his adventurous spirit, independence, and love of life.

And what a life he lived, but beyond the stories and music was the man people truly loved. He was genuine, welcoming, funny, caring, and deeply loyal. The kind of son that made his parents proud. The kind of friend who checked in on you, made you feel included, and somehow turned ordinary moments into memories you would never forget. He faced life with courage and authenticity; the same way he lived every chapter before it.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa and cat Brisco; his beloved mother Marianne Mills and Aunt Pat Thomlison both of Springfield, MO; Uncle Martin and Sandy Mills, Salina, KS, numerous cousins, and countless friends he made over the years.

He is preceded in death by his father, Delbert K. Mills of Springfield, MO; grandparents Leonard and Lucy Mills of North Platte, NE; Murney and Judy McLellan of North Platte, NE and Uncle Murney Jr. “Jack” McLellan of North Platte, NE, whom he never met but shared the same love of flying.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Christ’s Church of the Valley, 7007 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, AZ 85383, on June 10 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of the Valley: Donate Now