Larry Sandford 'Sandy' Mullinax

Lenoir – Mr. Larry Sanford “Sandy” Mullinax, age 72, of Lenoir, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir.Born September 17, 1942 in Caldwell County, he was a son of the late William Clarence and Eunice Moody Mullinax. Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Richard Pipes; a sister, Earlene Jolley and her husband Steele and their son Richard; one brother-in-law, Johnny Dellinger and one sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Lib” Mullinax. In 1959, Sandy met the love of his life, Alma and they were married in 1960, celebrating their 55th anniversary this year.He enjoyed raising their daughters, spending time with the grandkids, watching racing, Carolina basketball, football and computers. Mr. Mullinax was a member of Union Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and held other positions as well.He was former president of the Oak Hill Ruritan Club and current president of the Little River Fire Department where he served as a fireman for many years. At the early age of 14, Sandy worked at Crump’s Barbecue then followed in his father’s footsteps in the machine shop.Along with his wife Alma, on his 30th birthday in 1972, he opened Mullinax Electric Co.After closing their business several years ago, he was employed by a local furniture factory as a maintenance supervisor until his retirement.He will always be remembered as a friend who was willing to help others with his knowledge and sharing advice. Surviving along with his wife Alma are his four daughters, Tina Mullinax of Lenoir; Susan Mullinax Pipes of Granite Falls; Sandra Mullinax Benfield and husband Rodney of Galax, VA; Cynthia Mullinax of Hudson; two brothers, Jack Mullinax of Stallings; Gerald Mullinax of South Dayton Beach, FL; three sisters, Nettie Dellinger of Lenoir; Wilma Selfridge and husband Hartley of Asheville; Mary Baker and husband Ervin of Mint Hill; seven grandchildren, Hannah Taylor and husband Josh, Alex Benfield and wife Chelsea, Maddison Mullinax, Hunter Pipes, Elizabeth Mullinax, Ethan Benfield, Dakota Mullinax and two great-granddaughters, Sofia Mullinax and Evelyn Benfield. A celebration of Mr. Mullinax’s life will be held 2:00 PM Friday at Union Baptist Church with Reverend Myron Davis officiating.Burial will follow in the Harper’s Chapel Cemetery in Patterson. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Evans Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be:Alex Benfield, Ethan Benfield, Hunter Pipes, Josh Taylor, Jack Hoke and Michael Pope.Honorary Pallbearers will be:Hannah Taylor, Maddison Mullinax, Elizabeth Mullinax, Dakota Mullinax, Brooks Kirby, Curt Jolley, Terry Jolley, Scott Mackie, Steven Mackie, Randy Walsh, Bill Mullinax, Ricky Watson, Adrian Watson, Jeffrey Watson, Jeff Mullinax and Earl Wellborn, Jr. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all of those who cared for Sandy at the McCreary Cancer Center and Caldwell Hospice along with a special “Thank You” to Chuck Crisp for his special care shown to the family. Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be sent to the Mullinax Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir will be serving the Mullinax Family. PDF Printable Version