With sorrowful, but grateful, hearts the Mullis, del Mazo, Altman, Swinson, and Davis families announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather TD Mullis Jr. At the time of his unexpected passing, TD was surrounded by the love of his family and died peacefully and comfortably at the age of 70 on March 1, 2023. TD was a lifelong resident of Bacon County. He was born to Tessell and Mildred Mullis of Alma, GA on November 19, 1952. He grew up with his three older siblings Billy, Jane, and Brenda as well as one younger sister, Regina. As he grew older TD spent time with his family and getting into trouble with friends and some of his cousins. He also started helping at Alma Milling Co and eventually became the owner of the mill when his father passed. He attended Bacon Co. High school and was no stranger to mischief. He once set the contents of his locker on fire and gave his own description when he was asked who did it (by the way, he was never caught)! In early adulthood, he was known to be fearless and attempt stunts on his motorcycle, sometimes leading to close calls (special appreciation for helmets).

During the high school years, TD met Melinda Atha of Alma, Ga. The two were joined in marriage in 1971 and welcomed two daughters Deanna Lynn and Virginia (Ginny) Louise. They also mourned the loss of two children at birth, Ellen and Thadeus Dell, at the start of their marriage. As a father, TD was a devoted parent and showed his daughters how to love others, work hard, take responsibility, think for themselves, use common sense, be self-sufficient, and how to help others. He also wasn't afraid to have fun with his children who loved playing tickle monster and riding on the tailgate of his Bronco to get ice cream at DQ. At least one of his daughters may have inherited his sarcastic sense of humor. To TD family came first and he would be there in whatever way was needed. He was also roped into moving them more than 10 times between the two all around Georgia and once to Miami.  He was proud and supportive of his children as they grew, chased their dreams, and built their own families. He celebrated their successes, like when Deanna earned her MD and Ginny graduated from UGA with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. TD would end every conversation with his girls by saying "Love you, darlin'" and they never doubted his love for them.  Although they separated after 30 years together, TD and Melinda remained friendly.

In 2003 TD rekindled his relationship with a family friend who served in the Navy and NSA for a combined 10 years, Kathleen Davis McIntyre. TD helped Kathleen and her three children from a previous marriage, Gabrielle, Danielle and Jacob move (maybe he should have had a moving company?) from New Orleans to Alma in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. TD and Kathleen were married in 2005 and they and the children settled down out of the city limits. This year Kathleen and TD would have been celebrating 18 years of marriage. His wife would describe him as a strong but steadfast man. He was calm, patient, and kind. She will miss these things about him and also his hands and his laugh. TD and Kathleen did not have a child together but if he was asked TD  would say that they did have a son, Jacoby. Jacoby's mother is Gabrielle but he has been raised in the home of his grandparents. TD and Jacoby had a special bond. They enjoyed fishing together, and occasionally they caught a fish or two.

TD also very much enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren and took so much delight in watching them grow. He took every opportunity to spend time with them, and to have special time with them. They enjoyed spending time at Georgia Aquarium, Lake Sinclair, St Simon's Island, Blue Ridge,  and visiting them at Ginny's home in Hoboken. He was always up for an adventure, taking some of them to the Ware county fair and the highlight was riding in a monster truck. All of his grandchildren enjoyed being with him just as much as he enjoyed their company. They were his joy, and they will carry him in their hearts always.

TD and his best friend, Jerry Hyres, spent much time together.  They were willing to help each other with anything. In his middle years, TD often hosted oyster roasts or low-country boils. He also enjoyed spending time with Mike Morrison, Mike Harrel, and Randy Reeves. You could often find them hanging at Mike Morrison's shop in their free time. One of TD's best qualities was his willingness to lend a hand to those who were in need and not just to relatives and friends, but friends of friends and strangers. One could count on him to pick one up when the car broke down in the wee hours of the morning, to change a flat tire, help with work around the house, and do anything else one needed. He would help financially when he could, sometimes loaning money. He was known to give credit to customers at the mill during lean times. Most impressive, if someone needed a place to stay TD would open his doors. Over the years he helped several relatives including Ginger Davis and family, Sharron Waldron, Heather Atha, and friends such as Rocky Oglesby, Erica Williamson, and several friends of his children (Parth, Patel, Cameron, Kaleb, Mack, and Matthew). When Lisa Scott, Jacoby's paternal grandmother, needed it TD brought her into his home so that she would be close to Jacob. Lisa and his family developed a strong friendship along the way. In his time on Earth, he touched many people with his willingness to help others, his dependability, and his kindness. His loved ones feel tremendously blessed to claim him as a member of the family. He inspired us to be our best and the world is a better place because TD was in it. He will be dearly missed, but he will live on in our thoughts and memories forever.

TD is survived by his wife Kathleen Mullis, two daughters, his stepchildren, 11 grandchildren, his two sisters Regina Mullis Swinson and Brenda Mullis Taylor, and his extended family. His oldest daughter, Deanna Mullis del Mazo is married to Miguel del Mazo and calls Buford, Ga home. Their children are Emmie, Ana Belle, and Gabriel. His youngest daughter Ginny Mullis Altaman lives in Hoboken, GA with her husband, Talmadge Altman. The couple has three children  Kaitie, Vivian, and Lillian. Gabrielle McIntyre is the oldest of Kathleen's children and is the mother of Jacoby. Danielle McIntyre lives in Alma with her two children Jacelyn and Daniel. Jacob is married to Callie Davis, they have two children named Atlas and Aria and are living in Alma. TD has many nieces and nephews who will also miss him.

He is predeceased by his parents, Tessell and Mildred Mullis, his children Ellen Mullis and Thadeus Dell Mullis, and siblings Billy Mullis of St. Mary's, GA, and Jane Daughtery of Pooler, GA. His niece Lisa Mullis and nephew Leslie Mullis (children of Billy) also departed this life too soon.

TD's Celebration of Life service will be held at Crosby's Funeral home located at 207 W. 12th St. Alma, GA 31510 on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2 pm. All who wish to attend are welcome.

Flowers may be sent to Crosby's Funeral home or donations to the American Heart Association are encouraged.

Afterward, the family will host a gathering to remember TD's life and share a meal at the home of Brenda Mullis 301 Floyd St, Alma GA 31510.

Crosby Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.