Leo Lavonne Mullis

Leo Lavonne Mullis, 79, passed away Wednesday (July 27, 2022) in Waycross, GA after a short illness.
Lavonne, as he was commonly known, was born September 22, 1942 in Coffee County, Georgia. Like many South Georgia children of farmers in the 40's and 50's he worked on the farm of his parents, Leo "Catfish" Mullis and Thelma Todd Mullis in Ware County until he was old enough to graduate Atkinson County High School and leave the farm. Farming was hard work but he and his siblings worked the cotton and tobacco fields which helped develop his work ethic and that ethic continued throughout his adult life. He eventually returned to farming in Ware County and was in the nursing home business until his death. He embraced Christianity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Mullis and Thelma Todd Mullis Sirmons, and a brother, Charles Edward Mullis and a step child Kelly Davis.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandie Murray (Dale) of Millwood, Grandchildren, Chelsea Murray Cravey (Andy) of Millwood, Courtney Murray (fiancé, Dalton Howell) of Valdosta, brother, Lamar Mullis (Kay) of Millwood, sister, Frances Blacknall (Willis) of Waycross, special niece, Kristy Davis (Glen) of Sylvania, Ga., great niece, Britni Mancil (Aaron) of Waycross, great nephew, Taylor Walthour (Kayla) of Sylvania, step-children, Billy Anderson, Elaine Day, Kori Martin, Brent Hoopiiaina, nephew, Todd Mullis, several first cousins, and other relatives. Further he was survived by a faithful friend, Moni Waters of Blackshear, Ga. who assisted in the farming business, and a "secret" keeper. As well he was survived by great grandpups, Yota and Sammy who provided much entertainment retrieving tennis balls.
Always present with him was his tobacco chew which he enjoyed all the time. He would carry his tobacco with him everywhere, even doctor appointments and hospitalizations as he found himself placed in those situations more as he advanced in age. He always managed to be present at all family gatherings and usually showed up with a dish from his unique recipes. Known as Daddy, Papa, Lavonne, Von and Uncle Lavonne, he was a practical man who loved his family and freely shared fruit from his fruit trees and advice from the fruits of his labor and experience. He was always available to any of them for guidance and counsel, and many of his family and friends depended on him for such advice. He was deeply loved and respected by his family and friends. He will be missed by many who were fortunate to know him. This is actually not a loss because Lavonne has gained an eternal life, so this is simply an extended goodbye.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM at the Music Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, July 30th 2022. The family will begin receiving friends for visitation at the funeral home on July 30th at 10 AM. Memorization will be by cremation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Satilla Hospice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leo, please visit our floral store. Leo Lavonne Mullis, 79, passed away Wednesday (July 27, 2022) in Waycross, GA after a short illness.
Lavonne, as he was commonly known, was born September 22, 1942 in Coffee County, Georgia. Like many South Georgia children of farmers in the 40's and 50's he worked on the farm of his parents, Leo "Catfish" Mullis and Thelma Todd Mullis in Ware County until he was old enough to graduate Atkinson County High School and leave the farm. Farming was hard work but he and his siblings worked the cotton and tobacco fields which helped develop his work ethic and that ethic continued throughout his adult life. He eventually returned to farming in Ware County and was in the nursing home business until his death. He embraced Christianity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Mullis and Thelma Todd Mullis Sirmons, and a brother, Charles Edward Mullis and a step child Kelly Davis.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandie Murray (Dale) of Millwood, Grandchildren, Chelsea Murray Cravey (Andy) of Millwood, Courtney Murray (fiancé, Dalton Howell) of Valdosta, brother, Lamar Mullis (Kay) of Millwood, sister, Frances Blacknall (Willis) of Waycross, special niece, Kristy Davis (Glen) of Sylvania, Ga., great niece, Britni Mancil (Aaron) of Waycross, great nephew, Taylor Walthour (Kayla) of Sylvania, step-children, Billy Anderson, Elaine Day, Kori Martin, Brent Hoopiiaina, nephew, Todd Mullis, several first cousins, and other relatives. Further he was survived by a faithful friend, Moni Waters of Blackshear, Ga. who assisted in the farming business, and a "secret" keeper. As well he was survived by great grandpups, Yota and Sammy who provided much entertainment retrieving tennis balls.
Always present with him was his tobacco chew which he enjoyed all the time. He would carry his tobacco with him everywhere, even doctor appointments and hospitalizations as he found himself placed in those situations more as he advanced in age. He always managed to be present at all family gatherings and usually showed up with a dish from his unique recipes. Known as Daddy, Papa, Lavonne, Von and Uncle Lavonne, he was a practical man who loved his family and freely shared fruit from his fruit trees and advice from the fruits of his labor and experience. He was always available to any of them for guidance and counsel, and many of his family and friends depended on him for such advice. He was deeply loved and respected by his family and friends. He will be missed by many who were fortunate to know him. This is actually not a loss because Lavonne has gained an eternal life, so this is simply an extended goodbye.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM at the Music Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, July 30th 2022. The family will begin receiving friends for visitation at the funeral home on July 30th at 10 AM. Memorization will be by cremation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Satilla Hospice.