Ernie Mills: key obituary facts
Is Ernie Mills dead? Yes. Ernie Mills died on March 8, 2026, at age 91.
Cause of death: Ernie Mills's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Ernie Mills known for?
Ernie Mills was an American decoy maker.
Ernie Mills, an American decoy maker, died on March 8, 2026.
Ernest Leon Mills Jr. was a third-generation duck decoy maker who made Lower Chesapeake-style decoys.
Nationally recognized as a folk artist, he created traditional working decoys that are held in private collections and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. In 1980, he was commissioned by Ducks Unlimited to make decoys for fund-raising events and auctions. He received a Ducks Unlimited Life Sponsor award in 1985 and was recognized as one of the few extant decoy makers who still used a hatchet.
Ernest Leon Mills Jr. (April 2, 1934 – March 9, 2026) was an American third-generation duck decoy maker. He made Lower Chesapeake-style decoys. Nationally recognized as a folk artist, his traditional working decoys can be found in private collections and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution.