Funeral service for Lance Mills, Weymouth's 'Karaoke King’

Lance Mills, aged 34, died from coronavirus at Dorset County Hospital on Wednesday, January 20 with his sister, Leanne Mills, at his bedside.

Mr Mills was known locally as a performer, who regularly sang at karaoke nights and events at pubs, bars and hotels.

Touching tributes shared by his family described him as ‘the life and soul of the party’ and ‘a gorgeous soul taken from us far too young’.

Funeral hears how Lance was ‘large and sociable character’ and a ‘real entertainer’ 

Lance Mills, aged 34, was a popular Weymouth singer. Picture: Lance Mill's family

His funeral was held at Weymouth Crematorium, with Elvis Presley’s rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water opening the service.

Attended by his close family and best friends, the service heard about the joy that Mr Mills brought to people's lives by singing in pubs and online.

Celebrant Michelle Carpenter told the service how he was a ‘large and sociable character’ and a ‘real entertainer’ who was a ‘much-loved’ member of the community.

She quipped that ‘half of Weymouth wanted to be here’ to say their goodbyes and that in normal circumstances, the crematorium and surrounding grounds would have been full of people wishing to say their goodbyes. The funeral service was live streamed for friends to watch from their homes.

Mrs Carpenter read out a number of tributes to Mr Mills, who was described as a ‘charming lad’, ‘great friend’ and ‘Karaoke King’.

Among them was a tribute from Carl Greenham, of Ultimate Quizzes, who said: “You have touched the hearts of so many people; it is a testament to the kind of guy you were.

Lance Mills (left) regularly performed with his good friend Darren Presley (right)

“I am privileged, and I feel honoured to have been your friend. We shared so many laughs together especially during my quiz nights which I will treasure forever.

“Your friendly charm and amusing sense of humour made you a popular figure among the community.”

He added: “We have lost a caring, gentle giant who’s taste in Hawaiian shirts lead to amusing conversations and tonight I will raise a shot or three in your honour.

“Sleep tight Lance.”

Another said: “He knew how to make people laugh. Me and Lance often sang Another Brick in the Wall together because it was one of those songs we could both do.”

'He will be sorely missed and I am very proud to have him as a son.'

Lance Mill's funeral paid tribute to his love of singing and recalled how he was a 'gentle giant'. Picture: Wesley Media

Kristy, Lance's stepsister, said: “Lance was a kind, friendly, outgoing person who was the life and soul of pubs when doing his karaoke.

“I am sorry I never got to see you perform live, but we will always have the videos to remind me of you.”

Ian Cockett, Mr Mill’s stepfather, recalled his love of singing and his ‘enthusiasm’ for entertaining others.

He added: “He was a gentle man and he was always happy to help everyone.

“He will be sorely missed and I am very proud to have him as a son.”

His mother, Tina Cockett, noted how the passing of her son had left a sad silence in the house, with no more renditions of Purple Rain or hearing him return home after a night out.

She said: “I know that nanny is taking care of you as she always did.

“My darling Lance – goodnight.”

The funeral service also saw a photo montage of Mr Mill’s life set to George Michael and Elton John’s version of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.

After sharing a passage by Joyce Grenfell, the funeral service ended with Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror.

'Emotional' scenes as friends line streets of Weymouth to pay their respects

Flowers at Lance Mill's funeral paid homage to his love of music and entertaining. Picture: Jay Cockett

Jay Cockett, his stepbrother, was left moved by the sight of dozens of people lining the streets of Weymouth to pay their respect to Mr Mills.

He said: “The journey from the family house saw us go onto Abbotsbury Road and Chickerell Road, where we had people lining the streets.

“It was quite emotional seeing how many people coming out to pay their respects to Lance.

“They all wanted to come to the funeral but due to the current restrictions, they couldn’t come.

“We also put a post on Facebook stating when it will be held, how to watch and the procession route so people could pay their respects.

“It was very nice and lovely of people to do that.”

Mr Cockett, who provided the flowers for the funeral, noted the song choices ‘were a great choice’ and ‘summed up his taste in music’.

Flowers at Lance Mill's funeral. Picture: Jay Cockett

He said the service ‘didn’t feel like a funeral’ and thanked Michelle Carpenter for her moving service.

She said: “Michelle was really uplifting and felt like it was celebrating his life.

"Instead of doing an eulogy, we got family members and friends to share memories and tributes.”

Mr Mill’s close friends are currently organising an event celebrating his life, which will be held when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Any donations in his memory for ICU at Dorset County Hospital may be sent to Cotton & Son, 1 Milton Road, Weymouth, DT4 0AZ.