Samuel Mullins

Samuel Elton Mullins, (Sam, Dad, Poppa, Uncle Sam) 71 of Milton,
Florida went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 18, 2010.

Sam was born March 19, 1939 to Minnie Etta and Ernest Mullins at their home
on the family farm in Simpson County, Mississippi. His childhood was spent
on that farm surrounded by a loving and hard-working family. Christ was at
the center of that home and it has proven to be the basis of "joy" that Sam
carried deep within and that he grew to share with everyone he encountered.

Sam attended school in Pinola, Mississippi playing football, basketball and
participating in a music quartet and drama team. He graduated from Pinola
High School in 1957. While in high school he joined the Mississippi Army
National Guard. He served from 1956 to 1963 attaining the rank of sergeant.

After high school Sam attended Copiah Lincoln Junior College in Wesson,
Mississippi where he received his AA degree. It was while attending Co-Lin
that he met Vivian Douglas who attended Wesson High School on the same campus.

Sam and Vivian were married on June 3, 1960. God blessed their marriage on
December 18, 1962 with their son, Samuel Todd Mullins and on November 10,
1967 with their son, Douglas Timothy Mullins. Sam's wife and sons were a
life-long blessing and source of great happiness.

Sam continued to practice the strong work ethic instilled in him on the
family farm. He worked as a typesetter, car salesman, police officer, and
owner of a dairy farm. However, the major part of his "career" was oil field
related; first in the field of radiometric exploration with his father-in-law,
Marvin Douglas, and later in the field of geologic analysis. This
experience and the mentoring of Earle Newcomer, a friend and tutor, led Sam to form
his own company, Well-Data, Inc. Upon retirement, Sam turned over the reigns
of Well-Data to his sons, Sam T. and Tim. Although Sam stepped back, he
never stepped down, as he continued to consult, advise and assist in the
day-to-day operation of the company.

In 2001, Sam became an active member of Pine Terrace Baptist Church where
his "family" increased by leaps and bounds as he met new brothers and sisters
in Christ. Sam's walk with the Lord was amplified as he drew wisdom and
encouragement from his church family.

New blessings and joy entered Sam's life as God blessed him with three
grandsons, James (currently serving in the United States Air Force), Cole (a
third grade student and mini mite football player) and Connor (the "free
spirited five year old"" who kept Poppa in line). Added to his grandchildren were
many brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews who knew Sam as more than an uncle
or brother-in-law. Sam became their mentor, advisor, and source of strength.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, six
brothers: Garrett, Wilken, Billy, Jack, Paul Dean, and E.C. Jr. Mullins. Sam was
preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Marvin and June Douglas and a
special mentor and friend, Earle Newcomer.

Sam is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Vivian, their sons: Sam
and his family, JoAnne and James; Tim and his family, Dana, Cole, and Connor.
Sam is survived by a brother, Max Mullins, four sisters, Katherine, Beulah
Ann (Clarence), Betty Ruth, and Kay (Jamie). Sam is survived by a
sister-in-law, Helen, and four brothers-in-law, Jak (Pat), Gary, Jerry (Cindy), and
Barry. Sam is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, church family, friends, and
business associates who will greatly miss him.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the doctors who worked
over the years to help Sam contain several health related problems; Doctors
Pocta, Riche, Harlan, Szymoniak, and Roa. In the final moments of his life, the Milton
Fire Department, LifeGuard Ambulance Service, and the emergency room staff at
Santa Rosa Medical Center fought valiantly to revive him.

Words cannot express how much the love and support of family and friends
has helped sustain us through this most trying time in our lives. Sam would
want all to know that this is just a little bit of Jesus giving us a glimpse
of the glory of His Kingdom.

We have great sorrow because we will miss him here for now, yet our hearts
are filled with abundant joy, and we rejoice in knowing that he is with the
Lord. Someday soon, without a doubt, we will be together again for all
eternity, singing praises to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lewis Funeral Home of Milton, Florida.
Visitation will be at Pine Terrace Baptist Church located at 6212 Pine
Blossom Road, Milton on Thursday, October 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral
Services will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Pine Terrace
Baptist Church. Graveside internment services are at Serenity Gardens Cemetery in
Milton.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the church
building fund at Pine Terrace Baptist Church or to the Gideon Society.




Family and friends may send condolences and share fond memories at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net.