Clarence I. Mills

Clarence I. Mills, affectionately known as Big Man, age 62 of Bridgeport, the devoted husband of Maria Ortiz Mills, entered into peaceful rest on Monday, April 17, 2017 at Connecticut Hospice. Clarence was born on August 26, 1954 in Wilmington, North Carolina, the beloved son of the late Israel Mills and Aretha Spain. He played football and basketball for Harding high school and graduated in 1972. Clarence met his wife Maria on the dance floor. He must have really had some moves.... In between all of the dancing, beautiful children were made. In the summer of 1984 they were married. Clarence worked at Raybestos and later started working for Nordens \ Northrop Grumman where he retired after 30 years of service in 2013. He was the go to guy for chopped BBQ, good advice, family information and so much more. He was a loving father of five. Although Clarence could easily come across as stern, harsh, and even a little intimidating, anyone that was close to him, knew he was really a big teddy bear with an enormous heart. He will be remembered most for his compassion, generosity, great sense of humor, and adoration for his family. Clarence is predeceased by his parents, children, Shalonda E. Smith, Aretha L. Ortiz; Clarence I. Mills Jr and brother Andre Smith Sr. Besides his wife, Maria Mills of 32 years, Clarence is survived by: children, Sharena M. Mills & Cecil J. Mills, both of Bridgeport; siblings, Don Spain of Virginia, Louis Pattricks of Bridgeport, Patricia Robinson of Adden ; 12 grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory. Friends may greet the family on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 9am-10:30am. A Going Home Service will proceed at 10:30am-12pm at Community Funeral Chapels 798 Park Ave. Bridgeport, Tel: 203-334-9999. Interment will follow to Park Cemetery, 620 Lindley St. Bridgeport, CT. 06606. Light a virtual candle or share a special memory of "Big Man" at communityfuneralchapels.com Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Clarence I. Mills, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Saturday, April 29th, 2017 9:00am - 10:30am, Community Funeral Chapels 798 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Service Information Saturday, April 29th, 2017 10:30am, Community Funeral Chapels 798 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Interment Location Park Cemetery 620 Lindley Street Bridgeport, CT