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Wallace Mullinax Obituary

"Wally" Mullinax

Greenville

Wallace A. "Wally'" Mullinax, husband of Helen Jenkins Mullinax of Greenville, SC, died suddenly October 13, 2012. Mullinax was born in Cateechee, SC, and attended Pickens and Greenville County schools. He graduated from Parker High School, Furman University and the NBC Institute for Radio Studies at Northwestern University.

Wally served in WWII as a US Navy Hospital Corpsman and was attached to the 2nd Marine division at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Mullinax began his career at WFBC radio in 1944 and joined WESC as a personality in 1949 remaining with WESC for 41 years; he retired as Vice President of Sales. Always quick to embrace new ideas, Wally aired one of the first Rhythm and Blues radio programs in the Carolinas starting in 1950. He was a pioneer talk show host. In the 1960s, he was among the first broadcasters in America to program a fulltime country music format. He assisted several stations in major markets to switch to C/W programming. Mullinax was the first to schedule weekly motor sports in Greenville and, using FM radio for syndication, helped make college football games available in small markets in the Carolinas and Georgia. He co-founded WMTY 1090 AM in Greenwood and later added WMTY-103.5 FM.

Mullinax served his church, Overbrook Baptist, as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years and was a trustee.

He has been active in the South Carolina Broadcasters Association since 1962 and served as President in 1974. He was also President of its Educational Foundation. He was a key person in establishing the SCBA Archives at the University of South Carolina. In 2012 the South Carolina Broadcasters Association honored his service by establishing a permanent scholarship in his name at Furman University. He is a member of the SCBA Hall of Fame and a Gold Fellow in the SCBA Foundation.

In 1968 the people of Greenville County overwhelmingly elected him to the first Greenville County Council. Mullinax was appointed by Governors Robert McNair and John West to serve on the Greenville Memorial Auditorium Board of Directors. In 1986, Governor Richard W. Riley appointed him to the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.

In 1989, the South Carolina Baptist Convention appointed Mullinax a trustee of North Greenville University. During that term the trustees voted to keep the school open, call Dr. Epting as President, and offer four year degrees and Masters Degrees. After retiring at WESC, he commuted to Greenwood, SC to develop WMTY, a station he co-founded in 1973 and sold in 1998. In Greenwood, he was active in the Greenwood Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.

A 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason, he has served as General Secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Greenville. He is a founding board member of the Scottish Rite Centers for Language Disorders in Greenville. He has also taught Broadcasting and Media Sales at North Greenville University. Also, Mullinax is a member of the James E. Daniel Post #3 of The American Legion.

Wally Mullinax has moderated a weekly radio broadcast of the Sunday School Lesson on 660 KC since 1962. He chairs the History Committee of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. He was among the founders of Crime Stoppers of Greenville County and served on its board, President of the Greenville Sales and Marketing Association, a member of the Downtown Greenville Association, a member of the American Legion, the Walden Masonic Lodge, the Greenville Scottish Rite and Hejaz Shrine.

Among the honors received are: the G. Richard Shafto Award for Journalism from the University of South Carolina, the Silver Medal Award from the Greenville Advertising Federation, an Abe Lincoln Merit award from the Southern Baptist Radio/Television Commission in Dallas/Fort Worth, the American Legion Service Award from the South Carolina American Legion, Young Man of the Year Award from the Wade Hampton Taylors JCs. As Director of the March of Dimes Campaign in Greenville County his service to Children won for WESC the South Carolina School Bell Award from the SC Education Association. His service to the Scottish Rite has been recognized by the H. Wallace Reid Award. In 1992 was selected for inclusion in the Marques Who's Who in American Advertising.

He is predeceased by his parents Ralph and Margaret Mullinax and a brother, Ralph P. Mullinax, Jr. Surviving in addition to his wife, Helen Jenkins Mullinax, are his son Wallace A. Mullinax Jr. and his wife Kim, and a daughter Christie Jenkins Seear, all of Greenville; a granddaughter, Maria Seear Crandall and her husband Sean of Charlotte; grandsons Wallace A. Mullinax III of Charleston, Torben Jensen Seear and his wife Laura of Florence, and Christopher Jenkins Seear of Clemson University. Also surviving are sister in laws Jean Boyd and Elizabeth Jenkins of Simpsonville, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by sister in law Katherine Jenkins, and three brothers in law, Clyde D. Jenkins Jr., John E. Jenkins and Gordon R. Boyd.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 11am at Overbrook Baptist Church with Pastor Dale Sutton officiating, music by Kyle Batson, Kim Beam and Don Weaver. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held 5 - 7 pm Tuesday in Mackey Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the South Carolina Broadcasters Educational Foundation, One Harbison Way, Suite 112, Columbia, SC 29212; The Scottish Rite Foundation, P.O. Box 5776, Greenville, SC 29606; the Department of Communication at North Greenville University, P.O. Box 1892, Tigerville, SC 29688; or the charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be made online at www.mackeymortuary.com.

Published by The Greenville News on Oct. 15, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Mullinax

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Farewell, Wally. Thanks for the wonderful days at WESC. Wally was a great guy. Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.

Kathleen Horner

November 14, 2012

We will miss Wally as one of our new walking friends at Haywood Mall. Love to Helen and sweet memories of Wally and you sharing your days with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jon and Nancy Brown

October 27, 2012

Mr. Mullinax you will be missed. You came into my life for only a split second it seemed. I'll never forget your class at NGU. I'll never forget your kindness, and my heart and life was changed because of you! I've thought and prayed for you over the years many times!!! You'll be missed! May your family find peace, and may your soul forever rest in the arms of Christ!

Ashlee Simpson

October 20, 2012

Wally will be missed. I listened to Wally for many years and had fun at the WESC country shows at the brown box. We can all remember "Wally with the records."

Don Seigler

October 19, 2012

My first work in radio was at WMTY in Greenwood with Norm, Sheriff Ed and Dana. I am greatful for that oppotunity and enjoyed Christmas visits to Wally's home. He was a good man. Rest in God's hands.

Roger Crook

October 18, 2012

To Mrs. Helen and Family:
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. I was involved a lot with WESC in the 1980's and enjoyed working with Wally. He was a dedicated and fun loving gentleman. Praying that God will give you peace and comfort during this time.

Much Sympathy,
Willis and Virgina Smith
Mauldin, SC

Willis Smith

October 17, 2012

My husband Lowell worked for WESC during the 1970s. Wally was always kind and helpful, a good employer and friend to all. We cherished the memories of those good days and the "Shindigs" at Memorial Auditorium. I know that Lowell was near the Gates to welcome Wally to his brand new Home. Love and prayers are with Helen and all the family. We can survive the partings, knowing that our loved ones are safe in God's hands and free from sickness and sorrow. We will see them again, and there will be no more parting.

October 16, 2012

To Mrs. Helen and family.
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of a dear friend and brother of the Scottish Rite. Wally was a joy to work with and always demonstrated great love and hot in all that he did in our organization. I had the great priviledge of serving with Wally as a Trustee of the Scottish Rite Foundation and in his administrative role as General Secretary for Greenville Scottish Rite as well. He did a great job but more importantly he showed a real passion for all that he did. I know the family mourns his loss as do we his brothers in Scottish Rite, but as he would likely tell us all, he is experiencing joy and peace today that he would want all of us to share. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the family and the our members for the loss of a true friend and brother.

Sincerely

Michael Smith
Spartanburg

October 16, 2012

Wally was a great neighbor in Botany Woods and we will all miss him. May God bless the Mullinax family.

John and Donna Jolly

October 16, 2012

SORRY TO READ ABOUT [WALLY ] DEATH.BUT HE WAS A VERY GOOD DJ.WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH.BUT WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.THERE ARE A LOT OF CATEECHEE FOLKS UP IN HEAVEN WITH YOU.JUST ANOTHER CATEECHEE GIRL RACHEL MOORE HARRIS MAY GOD BLESS YOU WHEN YOU GET TO SEE HIM

October 16, 2012

In 1962, I spotted for Mr. Mullinax dor the Greenville High Ffootball broadcasts the year before I played for the varsity. He was one the nicest men I ever met, and a true Christian gentleman

jim Head

October 16, 2012

I grew up listening to Wally Mullinax's Ebony Swing Club a/k/a The Chicken Shack on WESC. In later years I wrote a book about the history of rock and roll and beach music where I tell about how his radio show influenced me. We later became friends and he mentioned my book in his book. I will greatly miss a good friend and mentor.

God bless his family!

Harry Turner

October 16, 2012

We will greatly miss our excellent neighbor of 30 years. Purveyor of southern wisdom, teller of tall (but true) tales, always willing to help out in any way. Our prayers are with his dear wife Helen.

Barbara & Carl Burkhart

October 16, 2012

Christie and Wally my thoughts and prayers are with you. You had a wonderful father and I know you have wonderful memories and they just need another angel in heaven.

Kathleen Cook

October 15, 2012

Mr. Mullinax was a True Gentleman. He spoke at my Father's Funeral as they were friends for over 40 years. Truely a Great Man!

John Greer

October 15, 2012

Christie and Wally - my thoughts are with you during this time. I cannot think of anything more to comfort you, so just know you are in my prayers and may you feel and know GOD's grace during this time.

Debra Baugh (Harris)

October 15, 2012

I am sending this on behalf of my dad , Country Earl who has been in the hospital for 5 weeks, His state of mind is one, that I can not tell him about Wally's passing, but on behalf of my dad, me and my sisters send our condolences and thank Wally for being such a good friend all these years to my dad Earl Baughman. Your family is in our prayers.

October 15, 2012

Ms. Helen and Family:

I was truly saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Wally Mullinax.

For over 40 years Wally and I have been good friends. We both share the passions of excellence in broadcasting and the perpetual care of Shriner's Hospital for Children in Greenville.

I had the great opportunity to work with Wally on several projects for both the South Carolina Broadcasters Association and the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. He was truly the consummate professional and a fine gentleman. He had no vices.

May the God of our fathers hold you firmly in the palm of his hand during this most unsettling time.

Joe
WASC Radio
Spartanburg

Joe Sessoms

October 15, 2012

I used to listen to Wally on WESC 660AM in the early 60's. Recently, I purchased his book "Tall Tales, High Towers, Simple Ideas". Wally and I became email buddies. The last email I received from him was on Thursday Oct.11. I have been in radio in the Charlotte area for nearly 40 years. I've always enjoyed connecting with people like Wally who were the ones I heard on the radio when I was younger. My prayers go out to the Mullinax family.

Brant Hart

October 15, 2012

Wally is best described as 'Chicken Shack', for those of us old enough to remember him in the mid-1950's on "660 in Dixie", when he played rock and roll music. Later, Wally was to become a 'country music' dee jay with tremendous audiences. I fondly remember his studio on the lower level of the Sedran Furs building on College Street. He was truly a legend in the music 'industry'. Safe passage, Wally...Heaven is waiting on a true American.

Tom Marchant
3 Hidden Hills Drive
Greenville, SC 29605

Tom Marchant

October 15, 2012

as an old cateechee boy, i can still remember wally broadcasting as we rode to school in the fifties. ithink i can say that his popularity was rivaled only by elvis.wally and family, i say goodby as you sign off for the last time. be looking for you in heaven. an old cateechee boy, johnny merck

October 15, 2012

A great broadcaster who helped all those he came in contact with. Wally, you will be dearly missed. All of us at SCBA will honor your memory.

Mel Stebbins

October 15, 2012

Jensen and Laura,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kelly A. Bell
Anderson University

Kelly Bell

October 15, 2012

My sincere condolences to all the family. Mr. "Wallynax" was one of the nicest persons I have ever met! He and Mrs. Mullinax were wonderful friends to my parents for many years. Mr. Wally was especially kind and helpful to my mom after daddy's passing. It was a privilege to know him.
Katie Duncan Gillespie

Katie Duncan Gillespie

October 15, 2012

Dear Helen, Christie, and Wally,
We are so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of dear Mr. Wally with whom we have enjoyed a great friendship at Overbrook Church. You all are in our prayers during this sad and difficult time. Wally was a very special man and will be missed and remembered by many who knew and loved him.
.

Mary Frances and Glenn Roberts

October 15, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wally will be missed, especially his unique way of making one feel like a long-time friend every time he met you.
Kent Elkins

October 15, 2012

I will always remember the fond memories of Wally as we worked together at the Scottish Rite Center, the love and dedication that he had for the children. My prayers are with the family at this time, may the memories that you have bring you comfort at this time. God Bless!
It was an honor to know him, he touched the lives of many! He will be missed. Patty and Jack Sanders

Patty Sanders

October 15, 2012

I grew up listening to him on Sunday Morning Sunday School with Mrs. Orders. Wonderful memories!

Hal Hall

October 15, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . May your wonderful memories of him help you during this difficult time.

Mike and Vicki Skarupa

October 15, 2012

Hellen, Phyllis and I are saddened to hear of Wally's death. Please accept our condolence. We have known you two since the very early days of our SCBA meetings and will certainly miss him.
Phyllis & Dick Laughridge

October 15, 2012

Wally you and your family are in our prayers.

Rena McSweeney

October 15, 2012

remember the voice when I was a kid-we have lost a legend and a fine man-rip

william cloninger

October 14, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I first met Wally in 1964 as a junior at Wade Hampton HS when I went to work for him as a spotter for him on WESC calling Friday night football games. What a true gentleman who taught me a lot about respect for others.

Tom Henderson

October 14, 2012

Thinking of you and your family during this time of loss.
The Pages

Gabriel Page

October 14, 2012

Thinking of you.Uncle Wally was always there when needed.I will always remember his many kind words when times were difficult.He will be missed.

Susan Jenkins

October 14, 2012

Wally was a great help to the Mass Communication Department of North Greenville University where he worked as an adjunct and told his stories of radio history to many students. I always enjoyed hearing his accounts of his early days on the radio.

Dr. Cathy Sepko

October 14, 2012

What a great loving friend you have been, Sir. I will really miss you so much in my life.

Shur Gopal

October 14, 2012

THANK YOU WALLY FOR SOME LOVELY MEMORIES FRM RADIO SHOWS.REST IN PEACE AS YOU ENTER IN HEAVENS GATE.

KATHY BURRELL

October 14, 2012

Wally, you were a dear friend of my Father and Mother. Peace be yours, and my condolences to the family.

Norvin C. Duncan III

October 14, 2012

I learned from and worked for Wally in 1973 when he opened WMTY in Greenwood. I was one of the few local announcers he hired and he didn't just open the station with money, he opened it with knowledge and passion. He did everything with the understanding that you would be best suited for the world if you smiled, showed social graces, pushed hard to be successful, and attended church. I rarely saw him show anger and he walked and talked with people of all races and life-levels. He opened up his home and life to make you feel like you were a part of his success. I am proud to have shared in his passion for Parker High School and North Greenville College. Wally had a dynamic family and a track record in broadcasting that would be hard to surpass. I listened to him as a child saying "660 in Dixie WESC" and was excited to have been an employee under his leadership at The Mighty 1090 WMTY.

Dana Gravley

October 14, 2012

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