MERDIE MULLINS

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Merdie Mullins who left this world on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 surrounded by his family, or as he called them, "his babies."

A limb has fallen from our family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, and the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we're together again."

This man was one-of-a-kind in every way. He had the biggest heart of anyone we have ever known and would do anything for anyone. He will be remembered for his quick wit and constant joking. He had the best stories and kept us all laughing. Consider yourself lucky if you ever knew this man we call dad because they don't make them like him anymore. The only thing that gives us strength is knowing that he is with mom again. He never missed a day visiting her at the cemetary and he longed to be back with her. We can only pray that everyone will know that one true love in their lives before their time is gone. I hope there is grass in heaven, because I know you will be there mowing your heart out. Rest easy daddy, we will see you again one day.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Mullins; sisters, Joe Bernice, Ruthie Kilgore, Bertha Smith, Nancy Whited, Trudy Stuart, and Naomi Sartan; and brother, Cossie Mullins.

Surviving are his children, Sharon Mullins and husband Ronnie of Elizabethton, TN, Diane Bolling and husband Tom of Goldsboro, NC, Lee Mullins of Vinton, VA and Amy Bair and husband Richard of Weaverville, NC; seven grandchildren, Christopher Stidham, Jessica Stidham, Stephanie Mullins, Brandi Carlton, Noah Bair, Hannah Gonzalez and Sam Bair; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Regina Mullins, Francis Mullins, Rhonda Mullins, and Carrie Ratliff ; brothers, James Mullins, Roy Mullins, Connie Mullins, Bill Mullins and Johnny Mullins; sister-in-law, Mae Hall; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Merdie Mullins will be conducted at 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA with Jim Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. till time of services at 6:00 P.M. Friday at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Graveside committal services and burial will be private with Pastor Owen Powers, Jr. officiating. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.