Vernon Lee Mills, known simply and affectionately as Vern, was born on June 10, 1951, in Conrad, Montana, to Angelyn and Charles Mills. Vern lived a life defined by loyalty, hard work, generosity, and a passion that left tire marks across the racing world and lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Vern was many things throughout his life; a business owner, mentor, husband, father figure, racer, and friend - but above all, he was a truly good man.

Known across the United States and beyond in the drag racing community, Vern built a reputation not only as an exceptional Pro Modified driver, but as someone who helped shape the sport itself. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, he played an instrumental role in helping organize and grow Pro Modified racing, bringing his knowledge, competitive spirit, and unmistakable passion to every track and pit he entered. Racing wasn’t simply something Vern did it was truly part of who he was. If you spent any time with him, you likely heard one of his racing or speeding jokes and knew exactly who it came from.

But for all of his accomplishments in racing and business, the people who knew Vern best will remember the man behind them.

Vern had a rare gift for making people feel heard. You could call him for advice about business, cars, life, or just to talk, and chances are the conversation would last for hours. He wasn’t much for texting, but he would almost always answer the phone with his familiar, easygoing, “Hey man, how’s it going?”.

He was someone you could count on without hesitation. If you needed help, he showed up. If you needed advice, he gave it honestly. If you needed someone to listen, he was there. Vern believed in giving more than he took, finding the positive even during life’s hardest seasons, and loving his family deeply and without reservation.

There were no lazy days with Vern. Even later in life, he was always outside, working on a project, chasing a new business idea, fixing something, or dreaming up what might come next. He had an energy that seemed to resist stillness and a curiosity that kept him engaged with the world around him.

He had a fondness for Michelob Ultra, jokingly referred to as his “chick beer,” he had endless stories, and was truly a person who was enjoyable to be around.

While we hope his is greeted in heaven by his Brother, Vern is survived by his beloved family: his stepsons, Brandon Porter and wife Breanna, along with their daughter Madeline, and Nikolos Porter and wife Lacey, along with their daughter Zoe along with many extended family members, dear friends, and countless members of the racing community who considered him family.

Vern's beloved wife, Christina Rose Porter, passed away just 42 days after him. A loss that makes their separation feel only temporary in the hearts of those who loved them both.

Vern leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, laughter, horsepower, resilience, and unwavering generosity. He was the kind of man who made life feel steadier simply by being in it.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved. Celebration of life to be announced soon