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Submitted: 9/26/14 • Approved: 9/27/14 • Last Updated: 9/30/14 • R1041902-G0-S3
US Army Air Corps
World War II
1926 - 2014
Obituary
thesuntimes.com
Posted Apr. 11, 2014 @ 8:58 am
James Linton (J.L.) Mullens Jr., 87, of Heber Springs passed away peacefully on April 8, 2014. Born August 18, 1926, in Heber Springs, he was the son of James Linton Mullens Sr. and Ama Nell Williamson Mullens. Growing up, his family home was on Main Street directly across from Spring Park. J.L. graduated from the Heber Springs school system where among his many activities he played the trombone and lettered in basketball. After completing his high school degree, J.L. attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, until he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war ended, he resumed his undergraduate studies at Hendrix. While at college, J.L. met and fell in love with a fellow student, Jo Beth (Jody) Ellison from Monticello, Arkansas. After completing his B.A. in economics, they married in August of 1948. Following their marriage, they settled in Heber Springs and J.L. joined his father in the family business―The Rose Bud Cotton Gins.
A decade later, J.L. and his father formed Mullens Builders Supply, a lumber and hardware business that ran from 1958 until 2001. During the four-plus decades that he ran Mullens Builders Supply, J.L. developed countless friendships in the community which he valued greatly. During this time he also served on numerous boards and professional organizations. In 1957 he served as president of the Young Men’s Business Club. In 1976 J.L. was the president of the Arkansas Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, and in 1978 he was elected to the office of Alderman and served on the Heber Springs City Council. An active and dedicated Rotarian for over 50 years, J.L. served as president of his local chapter in 1982/83. Within Rotary he was named a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation and to its programs throughout the world.
Throughout his life J.L. and his family were members of the First United Methodist Church. Over the years, J.L. made numerous contributions to his church including twice serving as Chairman of the Church Board and chairing the Planning and Building Committee. He was also a charter member of the Friendly Sunday School Class and his rich bass voice could be heard weekly in the church choir. As a committed church and community member and leader, J.L. believed in living a life of service to others.
Survivors include his wife, Jody Mullens, and his daughter Denise Bauer and husband Bruce of Little Rock, grandsons Matthew and Jordan Bauer, and daughter Jo Beth Mullens and partner Pru Cuper of Surry, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his sister, Julia Papageorge who resides in Bossier City, Louisiana; one nephew, John Papageorge; and one niece, Carol Neill.
J.L. loved his hometown and living on the bank of Greer’s Ferry Lake. Throughout his adult years, J.L. spent much of his leisure time outside golfing with friends. He felt most fortunate to live in a place of such natural beauty and to be surrounded by a supportive community. Despite his deep attachment to Heber Springs, he also relished traveling with his wife and family. However, following these excursions he always appreciated returning to his home in Heber Springs. His wife of over 65 years, daughters, grandsons and community were the lights of his life.
Contributed on 9/26/14 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1041902