William Lester Mills was born on October 27, 1940 in Burbank, California to Lester and Eleanor Mills. He grew up living in multiple locations in the Los Angeles area, attending Horace Mann Junior High School and George Washington High School. Active in student leadership and a Boys State participant, Bill graduated from high school in 1958 and continued to play a role in planning the class’ reunions. Their 60th reunion will be held this year on what would have been Bill’s 78th birthday.

After high school, Bill attended UCLA and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. While at UCLA, he was part of the school’s ROTC program and entered the Navy as an officer after graduation. Bill served on active duty and in the Naval Reserve until 1971.

Earning his CPA designation in 1968, Bill celebrated 50 years with AICPA in March of this year. During his long career, Bill worked with corporations and in private practice as a professional witness and tax accountant.

Bill is survived by his wife of 18 years, JoAnn McLaurin Loeb Mills, his 4 children, their spouses and 5 grandchildren.