Trbitues have poured in for Oxfordshire Football Association vice-president Ray Mills, who died last Thursday, aged 78.

Born in Portsmouth, Mr Mills, a former guardsman in the Grenadier Guards, moved to Oxford in 1941 and later worked for local printing firm Rewley Press.

He later became a joint managing director when the firm amalgamated to become Oxonian Rewley Press in the 1970s.

He sold the business on his retirement.

Mr Mills, who also played football and cricket for Vikings Sport, as well as table tennis, was Oxford City’s goalkeeper in the early sixties.

He was a season-ticket at his beloved Portsmouth FC for many years.

When he hung up his boots he became a referee in the local leagues. He was also chairman of the Oxford Sunday League.

He once famously offered a £100 reward for the safe return of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup when it was stolen in 1985.

Oxford City secretary John Shepperd, a close friend of Mills, said the OFA vice-president, who for many years was the organisation’s chairman, had left his mark on Oxfordshire football.

“I knew Ray for about 50 years.

“I first met him when he was at Rewley Press in the late 1950s,” said Shepperd, who added that a minute’s silence would be held before Tuesday night’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final tie between Banbury United and Oxford City at Spencer Stadium.

“You could always have a laugh and joke with him.

“He was a big servant of Oxfordshire footbal and he always had the interests of the association at heart.

“He was always very approachable and friendly. He was quite a personality and always made his presence felt, but in a good way. His passing will leave a big gap in Oxfordshire football.”

OFA chairman Terry Williams added: “He was always a great supporter of local football. The Oxfordshire Senior Cup was really his baby. He nurtured the competition and made it what it is today.”

He leaves a widow, Maureen, to whom he was married for 54 years, daughters Vivienne and Helen, and son Peter.

The funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.