Stephen Wayne Mullis, 47, of Blairsville, formerly of Tifton, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016, in Blairsville. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Blairsville with Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. United States Representative Doug Collins will give a eulogy. The family will receive friends Friday, July 15, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2016, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Kelltown.
Born December 6, 1968 in Tifton, Mr. Mullis was the son of Charles Wayne and Joyce Elaine Mullis of Tifton. He was raised in Tifton and served in the United States Army during the Gulf War. Stephen then completed college at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, followed by Valdosta State University. He remained in Tifton, where he worked at the Georgia Experiment Station for many years, until he and his family relocated to Blairsville in 2012 to fulfill his dream job as the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center’s Superintendent, so he could continue his dream of making this world a better place to live in. Stephen's hope was that you will all continue his legacy by improving this world. He was a proud born-again Christian and knew that when he closed his eyes and left this world that he would open his eyes and enter into the gates of heaven. He was excited and eager to meet Jesus, and his prayer was that you would have that peace as well. Stephen was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blairsville; Sigma XI; The American Phyto Pathological Society; UGA Staff Council; and Leadership Union 2014.
Stephen’s grandparents were the late Clara and Curtis Sullivan and the late Eula B. and Jake Mullis.
In addition to his parents, Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Natasha Angelina Mullis; three children, Jacob William Mullis, Chandler Wayne Mullis, and Madison Alessandra Mullis; a sister, Karen Cotto; and nieces, Kelsy Cotto and Raeanna Cotto.
Memorial gifts, in memory of Stephen, may be made to the American Cancer Society, 323 Pine Avenue, Suite 100, Albany, GA 31701.