Statement from the City of Havre de Grace regarding the passing of Retired Air Force Colonel and City Planning Director Willard N. Mills.

 
Statement from the City of Havre de Grace regarding the passing of Retired Air Force Colonel and City Planning Director Willard N. Mills.
 
It’s with deep regret we announce the passing of Retired Air Force Colonel and City Planning Director Willard “Neal” N. Mills.
Col. Mills was a graduate of Havre de Grace High and the University of Missouri. He later received a master’s degree in political science from Auburn University, and a master’s degree in management from Webster University.
Commissioned in 1974 as a Second Lieutenant, he piloted C-141 and C-5 aircraft reaching over 3,300 flight hours. Promoted in 1997 to the rank of Colonel, he was stationed at Dover Air Force Base, as Vice Commander of the 436 Airlift Wing. During his career, he carried out numerous assignments, including overseeing the worldwide movement of personnel and outsized cargo on scheduled, special assignment, exercise, and contingency airlift missions. He retired from the United States Air Force in 2001.
In 2009, he was appointed Director of Planning for the City of Havre de Grace. Col. Mills was known around City Hall as a decisive leader playing an intricate role in crafting many of the city’s modern planning policies. He retired in 2016.
“Col. Mills was a man of virtue,” said Mayor William T. Martin, “a trusted adviser who always provided a high level of foresight. He will be greatly missed.”