Raymond A. Mullenix

Raymond "Ray" Mullenix, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 85.

Ray was born on April 18, 1940, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, to the late Bernie and Lillie Mullenix. He grew up in a close-knit community and graduated from Almond High School with the Class of 1958. Following his passion for machinery, he attended Greer Technical Institute in Braidwood, Illinois-training that served him well when he joined the U.S. Army in 1961. During his service through 1964, Ray was stationed with engineering units in Germany, North Africa, and the Balkans, proudly serving his country with skill and dedication.

Ray met the love of his life, Lynn, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, during a chance encounter while shopping for a new car. That meeting led to a lifelong partnership, and they were married on November 9, 1968. Ray's job with Foremost Foods brought them to Appleton, where they settled and raised their family.

Ray spent over 50 years behind the wheel as a semi-truck driver for various companies, earning the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of his family for his tireless work ethic and steady presence. Despite the long hours, he always made time for what mattered most: his faith, his family, and his community.

A long-time member of Appleton Alliance Church, Ray was a faithful servant, volunteering in various roles over the decades. He was never shy about sharing his faith and lived out his beliefs through his actions and his words.

Ray had a deep love for classic cars and could often be found attending car shows or working on projects-one of his proudest accomplishments was rebuilding a Model A. He and Lynn liked to travel. Together, they visited their daughters in Europe and Brazil, participated in church-led bus trips, and even returned to Germany to revisit the places where Ray was stationed during his military service.

He was a proud and loving grandfather who lit up when surrounded by his grandchildren. Known for his storytelling, Ray had a natural gift for conversation and a warm presence that made people feel at ease. To know Ray was to hear a great story, share a laugh, and feel welcomed.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lynn; his daughters: Valary (Malcolm) McLoughlin, Barbara (John III) Schuh, and Linda (Peter) Stuart; grandchildren: Dylan, Pearl, Justin, MacKenzie, Joshua, Sophia, Isaac, Joel, and Kean; great-granddaughter, Maizie; sister, Alice Dunlavy; sister-in-law, Marion Mullenix; and 6 nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Bernie and Lillie Mullenix; Lynn's parents; brothers: Vernon and Carl Mullenix; and his brother-in-law, Don Dunlavy.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Ray's life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 Grand Chute Blvd., Appleton, WI 54913 with full military honors. Visitation will begin at the church at 12:00 p.m. and will continue until the time of the service. A casual reception at church will follow the services. Committal will take place in Appleton's Highland Memorial Park. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.