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Michael Roland Mumley SR

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Michael Mumley SR Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 5, 2024.

Michael Roland Mumley SR

Knoxville, Tennessee - Ahoy there, mates! Michael Roland Mumley SR, affectionately known as Pops and Papa, has set sail on his final voyage on January 3, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on January 29, 1945, in Burlington, Vermont, he was the proud captain of his own destiny.

Michael served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Navy for a whopping 20 years. He navigated the treacherous waters aboard submarines like the legendary USS Raton, USS Stimpson, and USS Rayburn. A true submariner, he even taught his fellow Sailors as an instructor at the Basic Submarine School. After retiring as a Chief in 1983, Michael continued his love affair with the Navy by working at the Power Plant on the submarine base in Groton, CT.

But that's not all! Michael had more tricks up his sleeve. He decided to chart a new course and pursue his passion for antiques. With an eye sharper than a seagull spotting a fish, he opened an antique shop and became the captain of collecting hidden treasures. From broken chairs to random lamp shades, he saw the value in things others overlooked. He even had a knack for finding gems by the side of the road and made a pilgrimage to the recycle center at the dump in Richmond. Now that's what we call a true treasure hunter!

In the midst of his adventures, Michael and his
first mate, Jean (Bear), embarked on a new
journey as the proprietors of the 1804 Potter House Bed and Breakfast. They welcomed countless guests, feeding and entertaining them with warm hospitality. And just when you thought he couldn't surprise you any further, Michael discovered his true passion for navigating the roads as a school bus driver. Parents and kids alike adored him, but alas, Parkinson's disease brought his bus-driving days to an end. Ever resourceful, he turned his attention back to his beloved collection of hidden treasures.

While Michael's heart was as big as the ocean, his faith anchored him in various Baptist Churches throughout his life. And let's not forget his role as a Bible teacher to his fellow Sailors during his submarine days. He truly had a heavenly connection!

When he wasn't busy conquering the seas or unearthing forgotten gems, Michael enjoyed a good round of bowling, hunting, fishing, camping, poker, cribbage, and indulging his passion for collecting used things. He had a knack for turning the old into gold!

Michael leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean Mumley, of 60 years who was his anchor in life's storms. He also leaves behind his children Lori, Michael Jr., and Brian, his brother David McKinstry, his 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. His memory will forever sail on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Cremation Options, Inc, located in Knoxville, TN, is assisting with the arrangements. Memorial service will be conducted at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 2200 East Governor John Sevier Highway at 1230 on 26 January 2024

May his spirit forever sail on, guided by the stars above and the love in our hearts. Smooth sailing, Captain Michael Roland Mumley SR! Until Valhalla!

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Recent Activity

January 31, 2024

Michael Kauffman posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2024

Megan Marx and Lisa Brooks planted trees.

January 8, 2024

Edward H. Bousquet posted to the memorial.

16 Entries

Michael Kauffman

January 31, 2024

I served on USS Henry L Stimson with Michael We made 4 or 5 patrols together.
We also shared the same birthday, Jan 29, but he was a year older. Many fond memories of conversations. Sending my condolences to the family. A great shipmate.

Megan Marx and Lisa Brooks

Planted Trees

Edward H. Bousquet

January 8, 2024

I first met Mike on the playground at Edmunds Junior High School. He always had a smile and joked with me.
At our 25th Burlington High School Reunion, Mike saw me and came from across the Marble Island event center to inquire about my family. That was the last time I ever saw him.
However, our paths probably passed in 1966 when I was working at General Dynamics Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut and Mike may have been a Nuclear Submariner at the Naval Submarine Base at New London, Connecticut. I was there just prior to the commissioning of the USS Simpson.
Mike was a person that I will never forget. I trust that he is under calm seas. Bon voyage mon Ami!

LARRY D. KRAMER

January 7, 2024

To Jean and family;

On behalf of the Raton shipmates, I offer you our sincere condolences on Mike's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. All Raton shipmates and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Mike will always be remembered as a brother of the pin and a great patriot.

MMC/SS MICHAEL R. MUMLEY SR.
U.S. NAVY SUBMARINE VETERAN RETIRED
NOW ON ETERNAL PATROL
SAILOR REST YOUR OAR
YOUR SHIPMATES HAVE THE WATCH
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS SHIPMATE

USS RATON SS/SSR/AGSS 270 SHIPMATE
LARRY D. KRAMER MMCS/SS USN RETIRED

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Susan Aspinwall

January 7, 2024

My condolences to Bear and the rest of the Mumley family. I have many fond memories of Mike when I was a student at Pine Ridge years ago. I remember how he was always ready for a great chat. And his humor was memorable as well, remembering how he would sometimes roll down the window of the bus and call out "Hello ladies!" whenever we would pass an open field. My best.....:

Tammy (Morin) Ritchie

January 6, 2024

Jean and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I couldn't believe this when mom called me. Sending big hugs and my condolences Tammy (Morin) Ritchie

Susan Aspinwall

January 6, 2024

My deepest condolences to the Mumley family. I have many fond memories of Mike as the main bus driver at Pine Ridge so many years ago. His personality reminded me somewhat of the character Yukon Cornelius in terms of his booming voice, among other things that makes me think of him. I also remember that it was him who got me into yard sales and I also remember, with a laugh, whenever we would pass farms, and he would crack open his window and yell out " Hello, ladies! " at at the cows out in the fields. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Susan Aspinwall

Jeff Gluckman

January 6, 2024

To Bear and the rest of his family, you have my empathy. Mike, was the PRS bus driver when I was there. I don't know if I've ever met someone who was so kind, friendly and generous towards everyone. One of my lasting memories of him, besides for what other people might have said (honking at cows, and telling them hello ladies), is him sneaking a bag of popcorn into the movies. I don't know why that memory stands out in my head, out of so many other possible ones.

George and Mary Blow

January 6, 2024

So sorry for your loss Ms Jean. He was a very special person. I remember spending many a day and nite with him and his family. We had a great time. May you rest in peace Master Chief.

Nick Nichols

January 5, 2024

Nick Nichols

January 5, 2024

Nick Nichols

January 5, 2024

To Jean and Family,

On behalf of the USS Henry L Stimson SSBN655 Association, I offer you our
sincere condolences on Mike´s passing. We grieve with you on the loss of
your loved one and our shipmate. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Mike will always be remembered as a "Brother of the Phin", a Stimson shipmate and a great Patriot.
Mike's name will be read at our Eternal Patrol service during each reunion and has been placed on the Eternal Patrol page of the Stimson Website: http://ssbn655.org/eternal-patrol/eternal-patrol.html

MM1(SS) [MMC Ret] Michael Roland Mumley Sr.
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret
Secretary/Webmaster SSBN 655 Association
COB Blue 85-89

Kathy hanley

January 5, 2024

So sorry Jean and family for you loss of Michael. Hope you find comfort in the memories you made together. Sincerely Peter and Kathy Hanley

Deborah Cockrum

January 5, 2024

Mike was a real gentleman. I met him playing poker his smile awesome so were his hugs. He reminded me of my dad so very much. I know he will be missed by many especially his family most of all. May the Lord comfort all of you. Love Trouble and Ty

Brandon, Kathryn, Erik, & Emma

Planted Trees

Charlie Blaisdell

January 5, 2024

Bear, I'm so sorry to hear this news. As you know, Mike and I were friends ever since we were in high school. He was in all my electronics classes. It was so strange, after not seeing him for many years, to be driving school bus with him in Essex. He was a great guy and one of a kind.
My deepest sympathies for you and his family.

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