Garnie Mullins

Garnie Mullins, 84, of Middleport, passed away on August 12, 2025, at his home. He was born on May 18, 1941, in Dickenson County, Virginia, son of the late William and Inas Mullins. He resided there until moving to Gallia County, Ohio in 2010. He was a devoted husband, dad, and papaw. Lovingly known as "Pappy" to the whole family, he will be greatly missed.

A devout Christian always giving thanks for God's blessings, Garnie loved to attend the Old Regular Baptist churches. He was a very gifted singer who could be distinctly heard from outside the building. He always enjoyed fellowshipping with the brothers and sisters before and after the church services. Pappy always worked hard, not only at home, but was ready to help anyone when needed, whether it was natural family or spiritual, across the road or across the county. When asked, he would show up with a song on his lips and a hammer in his tool belt.

Garnie came into an already made family with two little girls. Phyllis, who would later become his wife, was very picky about who she allowed around her girls. She prayed for God to place someone in that role and God answered. It took a few years to develop a relationship, but the four grew into a family. Garnie would read his Bible every night, going from cover to cover several times. He and Phyllis would fervently pray; their voices intermingling like a song. Garnie was quiet in his opinions, but rest assured they were strong.

His love overflowed as the grandbabies came along, taking much delight in their laughter and playfulness. He would put them on his shoulders and walk around for hours, not complaining even when he grew tired and sore. One day, he was found swinging as high as he could with his 18-month-old grandchild. They were also singing to the top of their lungs. The children giggling all the while. The kids will always remember his love of chewing gum.

Later in life, even though he himself was starting to suffer the effects of Alzheimer’s and a worn-out body, he lovingly helped care for his wife through her lifelong bouts with various illnesses until her passing. As his dementia progressed, he started to lose little parts of himself, but until the day he closed his eyes eternally, Garnie knew who all his loved ones were. God has surely blessed our family with the best parents anyone could have dreamed of. May he ever rest in peace.

Garnie is survived by two brothers, Alvin Mullins and Clarence (Peggy) Mullins; a sister, Draxie Mullins; two daughters, Loretta (Andy) Counts, and Crystal (Joey) Gilliam; seven grandchildren, Drew Counts, Victoria (Ray) Bledsoe, Brittany (Chance) Mullins, Jessica, Joanna, Daniel, and Rachel Gilliam; eight great-grandchildren, Asher, Nora, Juniper, and Matthias Mullins, Thalan Counts, Anna, Joshua, and Delilah Bledsoe; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Garnie was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Mullins; and two brothers, Marvin and Troy (Carolyn) Mullins.

A funeral service celebrating Garnie’s life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Maggie’s Home Church in Dundas, with Elders Daniel Newsome, Greg Sowards, Urias Hall, Mike Fortner, and Danny Prater officiating. Burial will follow in Sweet Home Family Cemetery in Vinton.

The Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the chapel at R.M. Williams Funeral Service, 120 W. Broadway St., Wellston.

Please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com to leave a message of comfort, encouragement, or condolence to the family or to view Garnie’s online video tribute.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for the Mullins Family.