Doug Mullins

Claiborne - Overholt Funeral Home 1106 Hwy. 33 South New Tazewell, TN 37825 (423) 626 - 2191 Fax (423) 626 - 8440 Earl Douglas "Doug" Mullins died peacefully at home on August 6, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Ruth (Hurst) Mullins along with his sisters Cloda Bailey, Lola Epperson, Bennie Mae Ferguson, Peggy Muncey and brothers J.W., Jessie, Ben Jr. and Terry Mullins. Doug professed his life to Christ when he was 10 years old and was baptized. He was a member of Springdale Baptist Church where he led the choir as a young man. He is survived by his wife Linda McCulley, his children, Doug Mullins Jr., Tracey (Donnie) McLain, Stacey Mullins, Bambi Howard and his grandchildren, Ian (Tiffany) McLain, Leslee Howard, Hayden Douglas Bailey and his first great-granddaughter on the way, Alston McLain. After high school, Doug joined the service. He was a flight engineer in the US Navy where he flew P2V planes and was honored to serve his country for several years before returning to Tazewell where he remained for the rest of his life. A letter was mailed to him from President John F. Kennedy thanking him for his service in Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Doug loved his hometown and the people here. After returning from the Navy, he followed in his parents footsteps and served the Springdale community in a small, country grocery store and later moved to town and worked hard to continue proudly serving the people here in several different businesses. He always welcomed a challenge when it came to a new business venture, he developed Midtown Shopping Center in 1976 where he remained active up to the end of his life. Doug was a people-person, always upbeat and positive and a smile on his face, the same every time you saw him. He was a friend to all and never met a stranger, always willing to lend a helping hand. People say he is a one-of-a-kind, he always showed equal respect to everyone. He enjoyed spending time with his customers and friends, loved to sit down and talk and listen to a story or share one of his own. Doug loved working, spending time with his family, riding on Norris Lake and working some more. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 4:00 PM-9:00 PM at the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2:00 PM in the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie-in-state until funeral time with the Reverend John Hatfield officiating, the eulogy will be provided by Sheriff David Ray and music by The Hatfield Sisters. Burial will be in the Irish Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors. Pallbearers: Ian McLain, Hayden Douglas Bailey, Donnie McLain, Randy Davis, Dean Mullins and Zachery Mullins. Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Epperson, DWayne Epperson, Hollis Bussell, Burgin Crutchfield, Jerry and Larry Hurst, Shawn Williams, Hollis Bush, Dan Gibbs, Eddie Shoffner, David Ray, John Bailey, David Stanifer and Will Bunch. Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.