Donald Jeffery Mills

Donald Jeffery Mills, 64, passed peacefully at his home in Chickasaw, Alabama, on Friday, June 5, with the love of his life, Bonita Ramer Mills, by his side.

Donnie was born on February 21, 1962 and lived a life filled with music, stories, and a passion for connecting with others. A lifelong singer and songwriter, he became a familiar name throughout the Gulf Coast music scene. Whether performing on stage, sharing stories from the road, or simply playing for friends, Donnie's love for music was evident to everyone who knew him. His songs, humor, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on countless people over the years. He stood firm in the belief that “Music brings people together”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Elane Mills and Merle Pauline Mills; his son, Daniel Jeffery Mills; his sister, Alice Ann; and his brother, George Mills.

Donnie is survived by his love, Bonita Ramer Mills; his brother, Joe Mills; his children, William Andrew Mills and wife Kimberly Knodel, Bethann Mills, and Jordan Seals and husband Shane Seals. Jared Ramer and wife Chazlynn Ramer, and Jacob Ramer and his wife Avril Ramer. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Harlee Mills, Alice Mills, Lucy Mills, Maci Seals, Azayla Ramer, Raphael Ramer, Adriel Ramer, Alejandro Ramer, Wilder Ramer, Ronnie Marie Ramer, and Jacob Ramer, along with many extended family members, friends, fellow musicians, and admirers whose lives he touched through his music and friendship.

Music was more than a hobby for Donnie, it was the thread that connected much of his life. Through every performance, every story, and every song, he shared a part of himself with those around him. While words can never fully capture a person's life, the lessons, memories, and moments he leaves behind will continue to resonate with those who knew him.

Anyone who followed Donnie on social media or attended one of his performances knew the phrase he proudly made his own. It became his signature sign off, his reminder to the world, and perhaps his most enduring message:

"HUG YO BABIES."

As family and friends remember Donnie, those three simple words serve as a reminder to hold loved ones close, cherish every moment, and never leave important things unsaid.

"I thank you for the music, and your stories of the road. I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go. I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough, and papa I don't think I said I love you near enough"

- Dan Fogelberg, The Leader of The Band