Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Leonard Mills and his wife Virginia at his retirement party on September 24.
Leonard Mills (seated, left) was celebrated by the Town of Elko on Sept. 24 for 50 years of service. He's pictured with other town leaders, including (from left) Councilman Curtis Young, Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Greene, maintenance employee Clifford Brown, town clerk Nancy S. Jackson, Mayor Toby Singletary, Councilman George Carrie, and maintenance employee John Trottie.
Leonard and Virginia Mills were joined by family at Leonard's retirement party on September 24. Back row from left: Paula Miller, McKinley Miller, Brandi & Quincy Cooper, Heather & Robert Cooper, and Marylynn Rickenbaker.
S.C. Rep. Lonnie Hosey (right), who grew up in Elko, presents Leonard Mills a framed resolution recognizing his 50 years of service to the town as mayor and later a councilman.
Barnwell County’s longest-serving elected official has retired.
Leonard Mills, 87, served the Town of Elko for 50 years – first as mayor and then as a councilman. Choosing not to seek re-election this year, his time as an elected official ended Nov. 21 once the new council was sworn in.
“You’ve left your mark on Elko and all of us. It’s been an honor working with you. May God richly repay you for all the work you’ve so freely given everyone,” said town clerk Nancy Jackson, reading the message in a card from the town. She grew up as a neighbor of the Mills.
The town held a retirement celebration at Elko Baptist Church on Sept. 24. Family, neighbors, town officials, friends, and dignitaries were in attendance.
Born in Socastee, a small town in Horry County, Leonard moved to Williston after graduating from the College of Charleston to work for Anderson Oil. He married his wife Virginia in 1970 and moved to Elko, a place he described as “quiet, peaceful, friendly and close-knit.”
“I will always be thankful to God for leading me to Elko and allowing me to marry a wonderful woman, raise a family, and serve my community,” said Leonard.
The couple raised their seven children in Elko and remain there today.
In 1953, Elko needed a new leader after Mayor George Ray Schumpert decided not to run again. However, no one was stepping up to run.
Though he had no aspirations to run for office, Leonard was talked into running for mayor by his wife and sister-in-law who said, “If you run, we will help you,” said Virginia.
After his election, Mills immediately got to work to help his town.
“Our home was here so this is where our heart was,” said Leonard.
Virginia said they were always interested in seeing their town grow and always looked for new ideas.
One of his biggest goals was to bring a water system to the town. Leonard traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet Sen. Strom Thurmond. This trip helped secure a grant and loan from the Farmers Home Administration.
“He knew water would be the start of good things. He really worked hard to get a water system in,” said Virginia.
Being mayor required more work than being on council. At the time, the mayor was also the town’s judge. Due to his busy work schedule at the oil company, he decided not to seek re-election as mayor after his two-year term ended. Instead, he ran for council.
“I wanted to really work and be part of the solution. I wanted to do what’s right by the people of Elko,” said Leonard.
Another major milestone during his 50 years of service was building the first fire department, which only held one fire truck. The mayor and council also placed the town’s first street signs, trimmed bushes, dug holes, got grants, and hired people. They also worked to save the Elko Post Office, which was almost closed by the federal government.
“We accomplished quite a bit. Now we are where we are today,” said Virginia, who served many years as the town’s clerk. “Thank you for giving us this town to serve.”
Though much was accomplished, Leonard said serving as a town leader taught him patience because you “can’t get everything done in one day.”
At one time, Elko was thriving with a hotel and 11 businesses. The town also used to be one of the country’s asparagus capitals due to its large production of the stalky green vegetable.
Though serving wasn’t always easy and the town faced difficulties at times, Leonard said the people of Elko motivated him to continue. He’s always tried to put God first followed by his family and neighbors.
“It’s been an honor to serve and live in this wonderful town for the past 53 years. To the current mayor, councilmen and town clerk, Nancy Jackson, you couldn’t have given me a better retirement party. All I can say is thank you for the wonderful party and your friendship throughout the years,” said Leonard.
At the retirement party, Rev. Tom Baker of Elko Baptist Church thanked the Mills for their “tireless hours and countless days they have invested in Elko and the people of Elko.” He said they have touched many lives throughout over five decades of service.
To honor Leonard’s service and his faith in God, the town placed 20 Gideon Bibles in his name.
“I pray because of this gift that many lives will be touched and brought to your son out of honor for Leonard and his work,” said Baker.
Leonard was also presented with a symbolic key to the town that he loves.
Though he’s retired, Leonard will always have a civic commitment to see his community prosper.
