Obituary
Guest Book
1966
2017
Richard "Rich" Roy Mullinax, 50, died January 25, 2017.
Rich was born July 17, 1966, in Fairfax, VA. He grew up in Vienna, Virginia and spent most of his adult life in Athens, Georgia. Survivors include his wife, Marion Minor Mullinax of Athens, GA; sons Roy Paul Mullinax ll and James Ross Mullinax; mother, Lily Altman Mullinax of Wilson, NC; sisters, Nancy Stamper (Rodney) of Wilson, NC and Julie Crawford (Richard) of Wichita, KS; and nephew, Gregory Michael Stamper (Amanda Keeny) of Wilson, NC; grandniece, Emma. Rich was preceded in death by his daughters, Bethany, Susan and Danielle; father, Roy Paul Mullinax; grandparents, Paul and Eula Mae Collins Mullinax and Flavel and Daisy Highfill Altman.
Rich was a loving father. He encouraged his sons in their sports and church activities. He worked as a salesman and sales and marketing manager for Interstate/Mississippi School Supply Company and Series-International Seating. Rich had perfect pitch and was in a Madrigal choir in high school. Rich was an avid musician, played guitar and stand-up bass. "Rich Mullinax Presents" promoted bluegrass bands at several local venues in Athens, notably The Melting Point at the Foundry and The Georgia Theater. He had an uncanny ability to see the funny side of things, he could write stories that made people laugh, and he could sing every commercial and TV show theme song from the 70's and 80's. He also watched every single documentary on history out there and he was an extreme movie buff!
Rich was deeply involved in helping many people recover from the trauma experienced in an ill-conceived drug and alcohol rehab program and was an active participant in a drug and alcohol recovery program.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/trust-for-jimmy-and-paul-mullinax.
A special thanks goes out to Straight Survivors for sponsoring a permanent link for his obituary.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on February 4, at Bernstein's Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA 30606. Pastors Buddy Parrish and Lee McNeil will be officiating the service. Visitation with the family will be held from 2 p.m., just prior to the funeral service.
Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Straight Survivors.
June 23, 2017
Bill Motes
I just found about his passing. Rich was a beautiful soul. When I knew him in the mid 80's he was a shining light during a dark time. A very positive and uplifting person.
Put in a good word for me with God Rich, I know your hanging with him
March 21, 2017
Josh C
Marion, Paul & Jimmy: Sending my prayers to you on the loss of Rich. He was very kind to me during my time at UGA. It was his idea to start the bluegrass radio show at WUOG, we were co-DJs. He invited me to Easter dinner with your family when I couldn't make it home to my own, and he even let me introduce the Avett Brothers at the GA Theatre when they came through town. We are hurting with you guys. Best, Josh C
March 12, 2017
Friend
Erik Wildt
Everything was going to be OK when you'd play your guitar for us in 1987. I'll remember you always
February 23, 2017
Nina Stroffle
Good man
Better friend
February 13, 2017
David C
I am very sad. Rich was a friend when I was at a low point in my life. Hanging out with Rich was comforting and his way of wearing life as if it were a loose garment gave me and others of hope. Love you Rich
February 9, 2017
Steve Ramos
A great deal of memories came back when I heard of your passing. The kick-the-can games, the snow shoveling, the playing in the sewers. The time I smashed my finger with the man hole cover, the birthday parties, the sleep overs, and just hanging out in the neighborhood. Going to school together, Marshall, choir are all great times. I will always cherish those times and will always remember you my friend.
February 6, 2017
Dianna (Layman) Baker
I can still remember you playing American Pie... it was a moment of peace in the darkest time in my life.. I have only spoken to you once since 1985/1986.. it was when you wrote that apology letter.. ironic that it was you, you had the least to apologize for.. you were one of the few that didn't scare the hell out of me when I saw you coming to the front... I thanked you before for the letter, I wish I could of thanked you again later... reading that letter brought me so much peace and it was really a turning point in my life to start to heal.. I am forever grateful and wish I has the chance to tell you that
You made this person dance
And happy for a while
Rest in peace my friend.....
February 6, 2017
Friend
Steve G.
With love and sympathy to Rich, his family and all of his friends. Rich you were such a kind man, a gentle soul and caring human being. You will live in my memories and an important part of my life. My thoughts are with everyone who misses you especially your family.
February 5, 2017
Pamela Jensen-Sperbeck
With deep love and sympathy, I send my prayers and care. The memories pour out from deep in my soul for this precious friend and his sisters whom I admired. Richard lived a powerful, creative, full life and now he rests in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior. May those same everlasting arms comfort and hold you now in this great yet temporary loss for your Richard. From great love comes great loss.
February 4, 2017
David Thompson
You had a huge heart Rich, bigger than you may ever know. See you on the other side.
February 4, 2017
Kathy (Meiser) Theado
My condolences to the whole Mullinax family. I reconnected with Rich some years ago on Facebook (we both attended Marshall HS) and enjoyed our conversations. He was so proud of his boys. I will miss him and remember him fondly.
February 4, 2017
Mike Ballard
Rich was one of the best-he was such a huge help to me getting my life back together ! I have nothing but love and respect for him and his musical talents ! I pray for his family and children that they know what a great man they had on their side and that they find peace in his absence .my prayers go out to all his family and friends !
February 4, 2017
Christina Oliver
Rich was a great guy and will be missed. My heart goes out to his loved ones. You all are in my thoughts.
February 4, 2017
David Jarrett
Rich will be greatly missed. I will think of him every time I hear great Bluegrass. He went through a lot of pain in his life. I believe he is now at peace in a better place.
February 4, 2017
Rich Moroski
I sincerely wish my simple words could ease your heavy hearts. May Rich's Spirit now run wild and free.
Blessed Be...
:( )O( :)
February 4, 2017
Scott Lord
He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace, until that day.
February 4, 2017
Wendy Bright
In memory of you Rich. I pledge to help others in any way that I can. I will keep you in my heart for the help you so freely offered others.
Wendy Bright
February 3, 2017
Kirby Amick
Rich, I'm glad I got to know you a little in the last few years. You will definitely be missed at the Thursday night jam sessions. I will miss our conversations. Thank you for laughing at my jokes. Thank you for helping with the videos and recordings. Thanks for playing bass when we needed a bassist. Be at peace my friend. I will think of you every time I hear or play a John Hartford tune, Kirby
February 3, 2017
kirby amick
Rich, I'm glad I got to know you in the last couple of years. I will miss our jam sessions and conversations. I'll always think of you when I hear or play a John Hartford tune. I hope you've found peace my friend. Thanks for all you did to promote music. Sincerely, Kirby
February 3, 2017
Friend
Lisa Phillips
Your light was so great to the universe. Your light remains.
February 3, 2017
Friend
Paul Stahl
To: the Mullinax family I am so sorry to hear about Richards passing. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. I had know Richard since growing up together in Vienna Va. RIP brother Richard you were always a great friend and neighbor fly to the angels. Amen.
February 1, 2017
Hard to find the words to express to you my sorrow for your loss. Know that you are in the prayers of all the family here. Juanita Mullinax
January 31, 2017
Kathryn Goodenough
Dear Mullinax Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and this sudden tragedy. I hope you can find comfort knowing that Rich was dearly loved and admired. May he rest in peace.
January 31, 2017
Dear Mullinax Family - On behalf of your cousins from NJ and Pennsylvania -we are so sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine how tragic this is for your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cindy Blank-Reid (Mt. Laurel, NJ)
January 31, 2017
Karen Laliberty
I am so very sad to hear of your passing. You will always be in my heart. Prayers for your family. RIP my dear friend, you will be so very missed.
January 31, 2017
Kelly Saige
To Richard Mullinax family, This KellySaige. My brother Dru called my wife and had said that Richard had died. I'm very sorry and he was one of my closes friends I had. I have know Richard and his family along time. Richard and I met in a funny way. I stayed after in Elementry class at Stenwood in the early 70's. Richard and a few class mates the same,if you didn't finish your school work you stayed. I got board and started banging the wall. Well Richard and his class mates started hitting the wall too. Finally Richard came around to my class and we acted goofy and so became very good friends from there after. Richard and I for the most part did alot of things together and my parents and brother drew close to Richard. He and i took turns sleeping over at each others house and went camping different places. Richard had his ups and downs like anyone and he stayed with my family for awhile. He had some problems but we helped him out on it. I have always tryed to be a good friend and help out anytime needed. Growing up in school was the best and being together. If you can believe Richard and I went the very day that the Airline crash that hit the potomac river. Richard and I went to pich up his dad when the big snow storm hit we think we heard the crash when we passed by but were't sure. That day it snowed so hard. We drove back home and heard about the plane crash. Its been very interesting life with Richard and his family. you take things for granite, not knowing the day or hour when something will happen. I want to tell you or anyone that reads this not to worry, why because I have died two times in my life and once right after high school from pneumonia and a brain aneurysm with happened on my job ten years ago. I can't make no one believe me, its ok. I would't be here if were't for JESUS. Im very thankful Im with my family. Alot people die and never return few do because the lord wants people to try and save people before you cross over to the other side. I'm not trying to preach but this happened and life is worth living. I enjoyed very much being a good close friend of Richard and his family. Cheers Richard.
January 30, 2017
Debbie Finch
I am deeply saddened about Rich's passing. I was introduced to Rich by Jimmy McLean many years ago. Rich was always such a go-getter; they were quite a pair. Rich was always quick to lend a hand. He knew I loved Kris Kristofferson and he gave me an old Kristofferson album a couple of years ago. I'm so sorry for his loss and for his pain. I know there were many friends and family waiting for him on the other side, including Jimmy McLean. Many prayers for his boys and his family.
January 30, 2017
David & Kathy Moya
Rich, RIP Now, You will be Missed, we will keep you and your Family in our Thoughts and Prayers
January 29, 2017
Lisa
I am deeply saddened by your loss and want you to know how much Rich's friendship was appreciated by me. I know how wonderful a person he is and I will make sure I carry him in my heart.
January 29, 2017
Sebastian Pinto
Rich,
Though it has been 28 years since we last saw each other on person, you will always remain a powerful figure in my life.
Twice in my life, you made a deep impression that changed the trajectory of my life.
Thank you for what you taught me and God bless your family.
January 29, 2017
Wendy Bright
I am deeply saddened by your loss. I will always remember Rich as a young man laughing and smiling.He was a positive uplifting force to all of us.He had an energy that was contagious in its brilliance.He will surely be missed.
January 28, 2017
Kelly Harrison Clonts
You inspired and helped many along the way. Thank you. You'll be missed. Love and compassion to your family.
January 28, 2017
Wayne Cliburn
Truly saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you in this time of grief.
January 28, 2017
Heather Cooley
I am so proud of Rich! I'm devastated about his death! I can't let him go so easy. My heart goes out to his family. This shocked me! A week ago he had a cold and now we can't make him well again. I know he'll be with our Lord, but I will surely miss him as ( but not as much,as his family I'm sure of).We've lost a good friend and I'll play Country Roads like he did at Springfield! We love you forever and ever, Rich!!
January 28, 2017
Norman Blackwell
You were one of the best friends a fellow could ever have, Rich, and I will never forget you. Being in your and Marion's wedding was an honor and so were the great days we had at Interstate. I'm enclosing a photo of
'our gang': Terry, Rich, Norman & Mark.
Take care, my friend..... I'll see you before long.
January 28, 2017
Scott & Karen Flanders
Our family will pray for yours. We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our childhood memories are of a kind, loving redhead. May our Lord's grace and peace surround you all.
January 28, 2017
AnnMarie Lett (Gill)
I pray you've found a place with peace of spirit, heart and mind. I pray for your family, your children, all who will grieve your passing. I pray to never forget your smile, kindness, honesty, compassion, empathy, music and more.
I pray.
January 28, 2017
Linda Nezet
Our love and prayers on behalf of the Joy Class, CBC
January 28, 2017
Todd Eckelberger
You were a light in the darkness, a song, in the silence. A voice, when no one else had the courage.
January 28, 2017
Connie Sancken Garner
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
January 28, 2017
Franchesca Lane
Praying for Peace for Rich and the Mullinax Family.
January 28, 2017
Jimmy Gardner
My Thoughts and Prayers are with Rich and his family and friends. Rich leaves me with memories of him smiling, playing guitar and singing, and being positive. I will always remember him this way. He will always be known as such to me and to those that knew him. Truly a great person with an even greater heart and soul.
January 28, 2017
Jeff Brinkley
Too shocked and devastated for too many words. You were one of the ones that I liked, admired, and respected. Your written admission and amends, a few years ago, meant a lot, to a lot of people. You were one of the bright spots in those long, dark days in Springfield. Who amongst us didn't feel that guitar rap was a brief respite from the unbearable? Thank you, Rich. thank you for your thoughtfulness, your Sublime cleverness, your creativeness, your intelligence as a Wordsmith, and on and on. Thank you for having feelings, and for sharing them. Thank You For Fighting the good fight against ego. Thank you for being an intellectual and a musician. may God keep and bless those beautiful boys of yours. May God bless your soul. I hope to see you again, my friend, and know you for the first time, in a world without sin, without pain, Without End. Much love and appreciation to you, Rich.
Whiskey n' Rye, Water n' Ice......
January 28, 2017
Kathi McManus
Thank you, Rich, for having been a force for good and love in this world. Being beloved by so many, you helped me to feel always so not alone during our online exchanges and story-tellings.
To Rich's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May peace and love sustain you during this difficult time.
January 28, 2017
Brad Finger
You always encouraged me to be myself and you never judged me...you was always there for your friends to help them or just listen to them ...you was a blessing to so many people ...I'm going to miss you my friend ...lots of love brother...
January 28, 2017
Hans Watts
Rich, thank you for being a beacon of light in my darkness. You will be missed.
My condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 27, 2017
Robin Wall
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Rich's family. Words are not enough to express how sad we are that this earth has lost an angel who touched the lives of so many people. The laughter, smiles, and kind gestures will forever remain in the front of our minds and Rich will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Robin, Shane, Blake, and Emily
January 27, 2017
Chris Poole
Rest In Peace my Friend and Brother. Rich you were always a Bright, Shining Light for me (and many others) during some very dark times back in 1985 and 1986. You were one of the most fascinating and inspirational people I have ever seen, heard and known in my entire life. You were always an extremely positive and colorful person and one of those Larger than Life personalities that we don`t see very often in our daily lives.
January 27, 2017
Emily Lawson Hill
Richard, You were there for me when I needed you.
January 27, 2017
Meredith McLean Gibbs
We had so many good laughs and talks about music and our boys. You will be missed. Thanks for everything you did to help so many people heal. You will always be remembered, dear friend. Condolences to Paul, Jimmy and Marion and the rest of the family. Rest now, Rich.
January 27, 2017
Kathy Moya
Rich, my heart is broken. You were an angel walking on this earth. You had such a gentle soul. May you rest peacefully.
January 27, 2017
Kelly Matthews
Rich you were one of a kind. You will be missed. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to so many, you made this world a better place.
Wishing peace, love and healing to Marion, Paul, Jimmy and the rest of Rich's family.
Much Love!
January 27, 2017
Valerie McMorris
Rich I have been honored to know you since we were kids in Madrigals. I loved our long talks about music and life. I miss the late night IM sessions- since we connected on FB. You have always been such a kind Soul and point of light in this world. I send my heart felt condolences to your children and family and friends. I am so very saddened to hear the news of your passing.
January 27, 2017
Cori Vipperman
I have seldom met a more generous, sincere, and kind person as Rich. He loved deeply, freely and widely. The world is a little colder without him in it and that's the truth. Rest in peace, my friend. Love and condolences to his friends and family.
January 27, 2017
Bernstein Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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