Inspiration Ministries Honors Ossie Mills at His Passing

Christian Media leader Ossie Mills passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 5. A pioneer with Inspiration Ministries, Mills was also known for his work with Empowered 21, Oral Roberts University, and Convoy of Hope. He was 58.

“Ossie was an integral part of our organization for many years,” says Inspiration Ministries Founder and President, David Cerullo. “He was the first Vice President of Programming for Inspiration Ministries, directing and producing countless specials and series. He was a valued member of our senior management team, working closely with all departments.”

In his last position at Inspiration Ministries, Mills served as Executive Vice President of the Ministry Outreach, overseeing all aspects of the Ministry and Inspiration TV.

“Ossie had an unforgettable personality,” Cerullo remembers. “Filled with boundless energy, he had an infectious smile and hearty laugh that instantly put people at ease. He loved his family and friends dearly, and was committed to spreading God’s word.”

“Most importantly, Ossie was a dear, personal friend. More than a wonderful brother in the Lord, he was like a brother to me.  I will miss him greatly.”

“Ossie had the ability to bring out the best in people,” remembers Andy Freeman, Senior Producer of The Huckabee Show, who worked with Mills at Inspiration Ministries. “He challenged me after a bad television break-up to get up, dust myself off and use my God-given talents to help him launch a flagship network show. That led to three wonderful years working on a very special show with Ossie.”

“Ossie was a constant encourager and believed for the very best in each person on our team. Those people have all gone on to do incredible works in Christian and commercial media. I’m thankful for Ossie and his investment in me as well as our mutual friends on that team. He leaves behind a great legacy.”

Throughout his career, Ossie was honored with 3 Emmys, 10 Telly Awards, 2 Cable Aces, 15 Angel Awards, 3 International Communicator Awards, a CBA Impact Award, and a Dove Award. He received the Hero’s Medal from the Philippine government for his documentary, “The Shaking Has Started.”

Mills was also president/CEO of Belmont Mills Entertainment, which provided family content for networks like ESPN, A&E, Discovery, Fox Family Channel, Hallmark, TBN, FamNet, and ION.

Mills was a board member of Convoy of Hope and Next Generation Institute. He previously served on the Forest Hill Council of Elders and the board of advisers for Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

Ossie was most recently the President and CEO of tvChaz, a faith-based streaming platform delivering Christian and family-friendly content.

“I just heard of the sudden passing of a dear friend, Ossie Mills,” Dr. Mark Rutland posted on Twitter. “He was a colleague at ORU, a trusted and loyal friend and a fine Christian gentleman. His joyful spirit brightened every room he entered and it brightened my life. I will miss him.”

David Cerullo asks that you please join us in praying for Ossie’s wife, Bonnie, his two sons Nick and Alex, and Nick’s wife Olivia.