Richard Dean Mullins, formerly of Xenia, OH, passed away in Crossville, TN on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.  He was born in Wilmington, OH on March 17, 1957 to Dennis Dean Mullins and Ruby (Williams) Mullins.

Rick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Wendy (Bobbitt) Mullins, and his parents, of Crossville, Brothers Tony (Norma) of Sealy, TX and Mike (Lorna) of Albemarle, NC.  He also leaves behind 2 fur babies, Mack and Coty, who were the light of his life.  Rick and Wendy had no children but were blessed with many wonderful friends. One special friend, Jenny Robichaud Webb, “adopted” Rick as her Dad. She and her husband Chris made him a proud Grandpa with the birth last year of their son Case.

Rick was a graduate of Xenia High School, Xenia, OH and Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH. He most recently was a registered nurse at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, and had previously worked at Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville and Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia, OH.  He believed that God had called him to the nursing profession and he always emphasized that he really worked for God.

Rick was a survivor and overcomer.  He chose recovery and had 34 years of sobriety.  He will always be remembered for his quick wit and delightful sense of humor, compassion for all of God’s creatures and his generous and giving spirit.  Rick was somewhat of a renaissance man.  He was an old rocker and drummer who loved music. He had a curious mind and was an avid reader; even reading the entire works of William Shakespeare.  He enjoyed the fine arts whether it was live theatre or dance, museums, galleries, etc.  He loved all types of sports.  He used to bowl, golf, scuba dive and most recently was into target shooting.  He had tenacity and never gave up on the Cleveland Browns and was an avid supporter of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds.

In keeping with his passion, in lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations of money, resources or time be made to A Time 4 Paws, P.O. Box 2982, Crossville, TN 38557.  Rick knew before his death that his hope for their sanctuary was finally coming to fruition and he had planned to visit the sanctuary site the week he died.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at First Christian Church, 111 East First Street, Crossville, TN. A dinner will follow in the church fellowship hall and everyone is invited to stay and share your stories and memories with family and friends.

Wendy would like to thank Cumberland County EMS and the ER staff at Cumberland Medical Center for their superb efforts to save Rick.  They gave it their all and she and his family are so grateful.