Bobby, Vadine, and Ray Mullins
BTTBM AUGUST 2014 UPDATE
In Memory of Ray Mullins
May 12, 1948 – August 9, 2014
(Ray announced the start of A Fresh Start TV Program each broadcast, which is aired by Back To The Basics Ministries, on WVLR TV48 in Knoxville, Tennessee www.dt48.org on Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.)
REMEMBERING MY BROTHER RAY MULLINS
To remember the life of my older brother and only sibling, Ray Mullins, for the most part I am going to use excerpts from Facebook Posts or articles or links announcing Ray’s death, such as via WMC Channel 5 News in Memphis, The Commercial Appeal, and Press Releases by The University of Memphis Athletic Department. A major reason why I want to choose this method to remember Ray’s life is to help inspire us to live the kind of life Ray lived that made such a positive impact on so many people.
RAY’S DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLNESS THAT EVENTUALLY ENDED HIS LIFE
“I have many people who have said they are praying for me, and I still need your prayers. The best way for me to let everyone know the bottom line currently is to use Facebook and get the truth out to as many people as possible.
I currently am in Germantown Methodist Hospital with pneumonia in both lungs. I have been here since Wednesday and will probably be here for a while. I am being seen by my Primary Care Physician, a blood specialist from West Clinic, a pulmonoligist, an infectious disease doctor, and a urologist who are all focusing on various aspects of what currently ails me.
In January of this year I was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis and neutropenia, which is a chronic disease of bone marrow and my blood cell counts are terribly low. I am in the process of finding a donor match to have a bone marrow/stem cell transplant through Vanderbilt’s excellent trans plant program.
Here’s the bottom line. I can have no visitors except immediate family, no flowers, no food from outside the hospital, basically no contact with the outside world. I would also appreciate no phone calls. Your prayers are what I need now. Thanks!”
— at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital – August 2, 2014.
As Ray was improving from double pneumonia, on Tuesday August 5th he went that afternoon for surgery to remove a kidney stone. He made it through the surgery okay, but on the way to the Recovery Room Ray’s heart quit beating. After about 25 minutes, he was revived but never regained consciousness until his death on Saturday August 9. His mom, wife, brother, brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, his three daughters and their husbands, all his nieces and nephews, and several family friends were present at the hospital when Ray died. We all entered his room singing “Victory In Jesus” and then sang “There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit.”
WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT RAY’S IMPACT ON THEM
The Bible says in Psalm 90:9 that we spend our years as a tale that is told. The story of our life is being written every day we live in some way, and that story will continue on after our earthly life ends through those who knew us. Here is some of the story of Ray Mullins’ life and how it affected others as told by the ones whose lives were impacted by Ray:
I only knew Ray Mullins through the stories of my dear friend Amy. I do know her courage, strength, sarcasm, vulnerability, and laughter are just glimpses of this amazing man that touched so many lives. As I stood with hundreds, all strangers to me, waiting to give their condolences, I felt at peace, filled with warmth and joy. The halls were filled with love and laughter and stories of baseball and acts of kindness.
I am so blessed to have been touched by the ripple that Ray Mullins created. I am a better person, better friend, better parent because of Amy and the lessons I’ve learned from her zany family. The world is a better place because of Ray Mullins and his impact will be compounded throughout the generations because of his amazing family. (Amy, I love you! Thank you for sharing so much with me!)
I have been thinking of Ray Mullins . I went to Briarcrest Christian and I’m a Tiger from U of M. I went for an interview with Wachovia Bank and Ray was one of the interviewers, which he joked the only reason I was hired was because I was a Saint and a Tiger! He had a way about him I admired. There are times to be quiet and listen. He was always around in some capacity of my life and today I pray for his family for peace in their hearts and I thank God for good people and have been reminded to let people you love know it. Thank you Ray! (Jessica Ann Coleman)
I’ve been sad and speechless for the last day trying to come to grips with this. Ray was someone who I can say that it was truly a blessing to have known. We worked closely 100’s volleyball and baseball games together from 2004-2011. Ray was almost like my personal p.a. announcer. He was first my p.a. for volleyball and as soon as the baseball opportunity opened he was the first one I asked and he told me “I’m here for whenever you need me.” That was Ray! Dependable and always there when needed. We had a blast working together in the pressbox! You never realize how special those times are until times like this. Thanks for everything Ray Mullins! R.I.P. (Jason Redd – University of Memphis Athletic Dept.)
The toughest release I’ve ever done. The picture in the story sums up the personality that made Ray Mullins such an absolutely perfect individual to be around. I’ll miss his presence on the sidelines at soccer and in the “loveshack” at FedExPark, but I’ll cherish the memories made forever. “Tiger Radar” will live on!
http://www.gotigersgo.com/genrel/081014aaa.html (Mark Taylor – University of Memphis Athletic Dept.) CLICK ON THE LINK FOR NICE PICTURE AND ARTICLE ABOUT RAY
Saddened by the passing of friend and gameday announcer for The Mighty Sound of the South, Ray Mullins. What a wonderful and positive spirit, even in the roughest of times for the Tigers! Gameday was always gameday with him, with a kind word and bright smile. We miss you already! (Quintus Wrigten)
I do not even know where to begin except to say that my heart is very heavy. I worked very close to Ray for 13 years and can honestly say that I have heard him say and live out the 10 things that Katrina mentioned in her post. I will never forget Ray saying once in a meeting at work to an office full of ladies that tears will not work with him that he had raised three girls and was immune to them. So not true…. I can assure you that he wiped many tears and was a shoulder when needed. He also was never to big to show his own emotions when it came to his feelings and love for his family. I have so many memories of Ray sharing his high times along with the low ones. The happy times so outweighed the not so happy times. His love was bigger than his smile for all of you. He was a great mentor to so many and had an ease and way of moving over to allow some one else to move up. My heart breaks for you all and you will remain in my prayers. I will be praying for strength and peace. Love to all…. (Donna Edwards)
RIP to ray mullins who was a great memphis man and an awesome announcer for my tigers. (DeAngelo Williams – Former University of Memphis Football Player and Running Back for the Carolina Panthers)
Thank you to everyone who has been lifting our family up in your prayers over the last week. They have certainly been felt. My dad said it best at the funeral on Tuesday when he said that while we all know the song “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” we could rewrite it to “What a Jesus We Have In Our Friends”. Thank you for being the body of Christ to our family.
Please continue to lift my Aunt Carolyn, my cousins, their husbands & their sons, my Mimi, my parents, and the entire Mullins/Mayhew/Ridgeway Baptist family up in your prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead.
As we all adjust to a new reality (in our family, in our country and in the world at large) I am thankful for this promise … “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. (Melody Mullins)
Heartbroken to say the least. I would never be where I am at in my career without you Ray Mullins. Defining leadership with your charisma, you have touched so many lives in your path. You are so wise and I will never forget the advice you have given me throughout the years. I will never be the same because of you and I will never forget your voice, your smile, nor your bow tie. Thank you for believing in me. I would never be where I am if it wasn’t for you. I am a better person because of you. I believe that 100%. The world is a better place because of your attitude, leadership, and personality and today I am thankful for that. I will always remember your quotes and will forever hold myself to your high standards. Your family is always in my prayers. (Angela Wiseman Malone)
You will be Missed!
Sometimes we wish we could turn back time
To give one last good-bye
To have one more conversation
One more eye to eye
You were loved by so many
Your smiles… You had plenty
Negativity at work…hmmm
I don’t think there was any
I can’t begin to give emphasis
Of what you meant to us
And a great voice lost
To the city of Memphis
When it came to men
You’re one of the GREATS
Great Father
Great husband
Now Heaven Awaits
You will be missed by some team mates from over the years
Some who I know cared for you so dearly
And have shed many tears….
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You are in our Hearts Ray Mullins!!!!
Praying for your Family in this time of Loss
This world could use more people like you
… (Alex Williams)
To read many more comments about what others had to say about Ray, go to his Facebook Page – Ray Mullins – Nashville, Tennessee
WHAT RAY’S SONS-IN-LAW HAD TO SAY
There could not be a greater tribute paid to a man than what his son-in-law would say about him. The first one is from Donnie Blair, the husband of Ray’s oldest daughter, Kim Mullins Blair. The second is from Todd Mashour, the husband of Ray’s youngest daughter, Emily Mullins Mashour.
I know that a father could never be replaced. However, when my dad passed away, (way too soon) Ray Mullins, (my father-in-law) did his best to fill the void that comes when things like that happen. Ray was not only my father-in-law, he was my mentor, spiritual leader, and friend. He always knew what to say and what not to say, depending on the situation. He treated me as his own on every occasion, and gave me some of the most sound advice a dad could give. Ray was a family man that put God first in all that he did. He loved his wife and family more than anything, and he raised his girls in the best way he knew how, (in the Word). Because of this, he turned out three outstanding women, that carry as much respect in the community as he did. He also gave me the best gift a guy could have, my wife Kim. He gave Kim special gifts in life. He gave her a weird, but great sense of humor, the ability to call a wrestling match like a pro, and the ability to speak in front of anybody with a special kind of flair (like father, like daughter). I could write about Ray all day, but if you knew him, you know everything that I would write anyway. In the end, the most important thing to know is that he loved Jesus, his family and his country. You couldn’t ask for a better man as a husband, father, grandfather, son, or father-in-law. I am very lucky to have known Ray the way I did. I wish more people got to meet him. I will miss you until I see you again Ray. (Donnie Blair)
Today the world lost a great man. While we are saddened that he has been taken from us, we are happy to know for certain that he is now in the presence of the Perfect God that he worshiped every single day for many years. Over these past 4 years, he has set such a great example of what it means to be a loving husband, a caring father, and most importantly, what it means to be a true Man of God. Scripture tells us how followers of Christ are supposed to live, and my father-in-law Ray truly embodied those characteristics. He will be missed dearly on Earth, but we will see him again someday in Paradise. (Todd Mashour)
RAY MULLINS TRIBUTE by Katrina Samoranski (One of Ray’s fellow District Managers for Wells Fargo Bank)
I’m missing Ray Mullins. I will remember what he’s taught me…
1. Right is right and no matter what some may argue, right is still right.
2. Put the people you love first in your life, without fear of the consequences.
3. You don’t always have to share your opinion. Just smile and nod. You really know the right answer in your heart, and no amount of explaining will ever change a mind made up.
4. Work doesn’t have to be the love of your life, but people should be. Make time for the things you are passionate about, without regret.
5. Everyone should have a favorite word. I will leave it at that.
6. Happy wife, happy life
7. In marriage, you can be right or you can be happy. Choose to be happy
8. Be proud and eat a big piece of pie sometimes, but be disciplined enough to lose weight with weight watchers online.
9. Don’t be afraid to pray or let people know you pray at work and stand boldly on the freedom we have as Americans.
10. Take every chance you get to do something with your spouse…A quick trip. A nice dinner. It is that important.
THE WORLD COULD USE MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU
“The world could use more people like you.” That is about as high a compliment as someone could make about someone, and that was what someone said about Ray Mullins. I hope that you have read what others had to say about Ray, not so much because I wanted you to read good things about my brother, but because of what stands out to others as memorable and noteworthy qualities that impacted them.
I have said many times at funeral services I have participated in that the death of someone I know always causes me to re-examine my own life to consider what is the tale that others would tell about my life had I been the one who died. If you need to change or improve, do so. Always be the best person you can be. Below are some things to focus on in order to have a positive impact upon others.
Live fully; Laugh frequently; Love unconditionally and genuinely; Lay aside what limits you spiritually;
Look for the good around you and never lose the wonder of it all; Listen as much, even more, than you talk;
Lift up one another in prayer; Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you;
Lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus; Leave a lasting impression worth passing on.
Blessings,
Dr. Bobby Mullins, Executive Director, Back To The Basics Ministries
“A man’s life consists not in what he possesses, but in what possesses him” – Luke 12:15
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Back To The Basics Ministries in memory of Ray Mullins, please go to: www.drbobbymullins.com , click on the Donate link and follow the instructions or send your check to Back To The Basics Ministries, P.O. Box 32486, Knoxville, TN 37930.