Ron Mills

You could call this guy the epitome of Fondren.

Then again, you could just call him “Captain Ron.”

Ron Mills is the man behind the wheel of the Fondren Express Trolley, a motorized street car that serves Fondren, and says his moniker is a spurious title.

“I’m the only trolley captain in the world,” he boldly proclaims.

Mills was born in Aberdeen and raised in Philadelphia, Mississippi, but now calls Jackson home.

After a stint as an airman during the Vietnam era and earning a theater degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Ron lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio before migrating South once again. And, he spent time in New York City building sets and stages.

Speaking of the theater, Mills has had roles in the Fondren Theatere Workshop and at Newstage Theatre. He draws from his thespian background to make the most of his current job.

Mills says he sees his position not as that of driver, but as a performer who just happens to be behind a wheel. His newest passion is photography, having had his work displayed at the Mississippi Arts Center in downtown Jackson.

Originally in the first Find It In Fondren Magazine in the fall of 2010. Mills passed away in September 2020.