SONNY MULLINS

Sonny Mullins, 90, of Milford, Mi. passed away on Monday April 24, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born on January 19, 1933 in Clintwood. For the first 2 years of his life he was raised by his mother Fassie Mullins. Upon her untimely death he was adopted by his grandparents Cosbie and William L. Mullins and enjoyed a Southern upbringing on their family farm.

Sonny was proud to have joined the United States Army at the age of 17. For an extra $50 per month he enlisted as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. In 1952 he was Honorably Discharged as a Corporal.

Following his time in the service, he ventured North to Detroit, Mi. to find work. His first job in Michigan was at Cadillac. Soon after, he then met Dorothy Jean Henzi whom he would later marry in 1955. Throughout his life Sonny had 5 children.

Next began his job at Ford Motor Car. During this time he obtained his Private Pilot’s License through the GI Bill. Sonny owned several airplanes and on one occasion he even had a news crew document the Midwest Skydivers perform a high altitude jump out of his modified airplane near Monroe, Michigan. He also owned and worked on numerous Classic Cars including a 1950’s Jaguar, Mustangs, a Roadrunner, Nissan Z, and an early day rotary engine Mazda to name a few.

Sears and Roebuck would be his next and final job as a Refrigeration and Cooling Repair Technician. Between 1969 and 1972 he and his sons built his beautiful home in Milford, Mi. situated on 2.5 Acres. Sonny was a hard worker and was well known for taking such good care of his lawn that only the snow kept him inside.

Retiring from Sears in 1994 allowed him to devote more time to meticulously maintain his yard until his passing in 2023. He had a huge heart and was always the one you called to get something fixed. Rarely did he not have an infectious smile on his face. Every summer he attended his family reunion in Clintwood. This was a highly anticipated trip each year as he was always excited to once again return to his roots and catch up with loved ones. In his later years Sonny would rest on the back deck during yard work and enjoyed the company of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, and chickens at the feeder. Above all else he chose to spend his remaining time with close family as he realized this was the most important thing in life. In good time Sonny will once more be reunited with his family.

Beloved Husband of the late Dorothy Jean, Sonny Mullins was the loving father of Glenmore Mullins (Leslie), Danny Mullins (Chris), Linda Vaitas (Ray), the late Mitzi Arnold (the late Barry), and the late Ronald Mullins (Mary). Devoted grandfather of Kyle Vaitas, Sarah Hageman (Phil), Michael Mullins (Mandy), Rachel Mullins (fiancé Mike), Jonathan Mullins, Danny James Mullins Jr. (fiancé Autumn), Kristie Fleming (Russ), Stacie Abeita (Marvin), and step-grandfather of Jessica Anthony (fiancé Paul) and Jami Ferguson (Joel). Cherished great-grandfather of Hailey Pasque (Cooper), Emma Fleming, Quentin Mullins (Joni), Issaiah Abeita, Travis-Kasey Abeita, Shannen Abeita, Tanner Gray, Cole Gray, Gwendolyn Mullins, Samantha Mullins, Elliette Mullins, Destiny Mullins, Dakota Mullins, Michael Anderson Jr., Zia Anderson, and step-great-grandfather of Tyler Ferguson, Alexis Ferguson, Erica Anthony, and Christian Anthony. Proud great-great-grandfather of Luke Pasque, Hudson Pasque, Benjamin Pasque, Grayson Mullins, and River Mullins. Dear brother of James Virgil Mullins (the late Dale) and Dollie Mullins Conley, half-brother of Evelyn Fleming (the late Sam), the late Thelma Dalton (the late Billy Ray), the late Garnett Robinson (the late Rodney), and the late Jimmy Mullins (Barbara).

Sonny Mullins will be laid to rest in two private family burials in both Livonia, Michigan next to his wife Dorothy Jean Mullins and in Clintwood, Virginia next to his mother Fassie Mullins. There will be two private family celebrations of life in Northville, Michigan and Clintwood, Virginia following each burial.