James "JB" Burley Mullis

James Burley Mullis (JB) passed away early Wednesday, August 1st at home.  He was born May 25, 1934 to the late Webster and Thelma Mullis in Iredell County. He served in the Navy during the Korean war. It was there his love of travel began. After being honorably discharged in 1955, he started work at RJ Reynolds Tobacco in Winston-Salem. His work took him around the world to Switzerland, South America, Puerto Rico, and Indonesia. He retired from RJR after 35 years of service. He continued to travel with his loving wife Melba, visiting places such Ireland, Greece, Holland, Norway, Egypt, Hawaii, and many others. Not content to be retired, he worked at Tanglewood Pro Shop for 10 years where he took the opportunity to improve on his golf game. He then worked at the Yadkinville YMCA for 14 years where he was the known as the 'social director' greeting everyone and keeping the teenagers straight. JB enjoyed riding motorcycles with his group of friends. Cars, golfing, NASCAR, and sports were also pastime pursuits. He was a member of Maplewood Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Melba Holden Mullis. He was preceded in death by sister Josephine Gibbons. Surviving siblings Betty Binkley, Gilbert Mullis and wife Anita of Advance, as well as Bobby Garner and wife Daphne of Germanton. He leaves behind his children Deborah Oikemus of Matthews, Vickie Snead and husband Steve of Walkertown, Michael Mullis and wife Cindy of Elkin, Scott Mullis and wife Beth of Yadkinville. He also leaves behind grandchildren Caitlin Oikemus, Cody Oikemus, Rebecca Snead, Sarah Mullis, Brandon Mullis, and Ryan Mullis. The visitation is Friday 8/3 from 7-9pm at Gentry Family Funeral Home in Yadkinville. The funeral is Saturday 8/4 at 2pm at Maplewood Baptist Church by Rev. Jimmy Lancaster. A private graveside service will be held following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral service in Yadkinville is serving the Mullis family.