Edward Hughes Mullins
Edward Hughes Mullins, born January 9, 1932, was a cornerstone of his family. While his wife, Rose, focused on hospitality and managing the household, Ed created a home that allowed the family to thrive. Not only did he literally build the house where he, Rose, their children, and grandchildren grew up, but he was also dedicated to providing for his family. He spent most of his life as a union member, becoming an expert welder. Ed often used his skills to help others, contributing to church construction and maintenance needs, and he retired from Combustion after decades of committed service. Occasionally, he demonstrated his unique creativity in surprising ways, even crafting an entire set of sconces and floral bouquets from metal as gifts for his beloved wife. He always kept a notebook handy to jot down new architectural ideas and designs.
People often joked that Ed was a terrible babysitter, frequently letting the children – and, later, the grandchildren – run wild in the house while he calmly read the paper in the sunroom. However, what he lacked in supervision, he made up for with his absolute adoration for his children and grandchildren. He seized any opportunity to spoil his loved ones, from biweekly trips to the local trash dump that ended with ice cream to buying expensive basketball shoes for one of his granddaughters, who only managed to play half the season before pursuing a different interest – which he also funded. On Saturdays, he could always be found in his recliner, watching either the Lady Vols or the Atlanta Braves. For many years, he served as a devoted deacon in his local church alongside his wife, Rose, the church secretary. His family fondly remembers him as steadfast, strong-willed, loving, and a bit bullheaded. He demonstrated his faith in Christ through his actions and deep devotion to his family.
His family knew that with the passing of his wife only three short months prior, he would soon be ready to join her. And so it was that he passed peacefully at the age of 93 in the presence of family on Tuesday afternoon.
He is survived by his eldest son, Charles Edward Mullins, his daughter Renee Chambers and his granddaughters Sherry Thacker (Jordan) and Lynsey Oliver (Michael), and his youngest son Robert Mullins (Gina), and granddaughter Angelin Rose Towry (Braxton). He has numerous great-grandchildren (Emery Lynn, Sloane Renee, Lily Anne, Sutton Rose, Evie Elizabeth, and Ian Michael).
A graveside service for Edward will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Lakewood East Cemetery at 4621 Shallowford Rd Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
The family will receive friends from 2–6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services on East Brainerd Road.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.