Daniel Jay Mills

October 28, 1972 – August 28, 2023

Daniel Jay Mills, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior unexpectedly Monday, August 28th, 2023 in Jacksonville, FL at the young age of 50.

Daniel is preceded in death by his father, Mike Mills and his father-in-law, John R. Pettis. Daniel is survived by his wife, Shawna, two beautiful daughters Miyah and Stella, mother, Dianne Thompson, brother Jon Mills, mother-in-law Cheryl Pettis, sister-in-law Dawn (Lee) Witherington, brother-in-law Brendan (Caroline) Pettis, nephews and niece Jakeb, Addison and Brayden, among other aunts and cousins.

Daniel was born October 28th, 1972 at the Naval Hospital in Guam. He later moved to GA, where he met his gorgeous wife, Shawna in 2005 at Cross Point Baptist Church in Perry when he was working on the production team. They later married at Cross Point in July of 2008. In 2012, they welcomed their first beautiful daughter Miyah Jalynn and their second beautiful daughter, Stella Annaleia in 2014. His girls were his world and he would do anything for them. Daniel LOVED teaching them about Jesus and how to put Jesus first above anything else.

Daniel was larger than life and had an infectious personality. He was quick witted and had constant positivity. Always trying to make someone laugh. At an early age he loved the water and was a lifeguard in VA Beach. He loved to surf and even taught his girls how to surf. When they were babies and it would be time to leave the beach to head home, they would cry and pitch the biggest fit. They would yell “I am not done surfing” while plopping down in the sand crossing their arms and give you the cutest angry face you ever saw. Anyone walking by would get the biggest laugh. Each time, Daniel would just pick them up, give them a kiss and say with the sweetest voice “it’s time to go home baby, we’ll come back another day”. While carrying them away with the biggest smile on his face.

He loved the Lord, his family and friends with all his heart and boy did he have a big one!!! Daniel’s absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends and community but the love he shared will endure in the hearts of those he touched in his lifetime. His legacy and memory will be carried on through all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:00pm at The Church of Eleven 22

14286 Beach Blvd Suite 2 Jacksonville, FL 32250.

Flowers may be sent to the church on Tuesday Morning

Psalm 93:4 “Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the Mills family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.