Alan Corey Mullins

Alan Corey Mullins passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Alan was born September 24, 1976, truly a miracle child for his parents after believing they would not be able to have more children, and a miracle as well for his big sister, who so wanted a brother or sister. The joy of Alan's life were his two children, Brady Alan Mullins, who considered Alan not only his dad, but his best friend and pool buddy; and Karly Elizabeth Mullins, who was Alan's Karly Girl and who thought he hung the moon. He considered Jacob Boitnott a second son, and spent many hours with him and his brother Jeremy. He is also survived by Sonya Mullins, his wife of seventeen years; his loving and devoted parents, Jesse E. and Gracie Brubaker Mullins; his sister, Amy Mullins Holley, who thought he was he greatest thing in the world from the moment he was born; his brother-in-law, Randall Holley, and his niece, Sarah Katherine Holley, who Alan taught everything from "jumping hugs" when she was tiny (when she ran to him and jumped into his arms for her hug), all the way to how to check the oil in the Jeep she got from him. He is also survived by his nephew Joshua Wright and nieces Madison Wright, Reese Brunner, Hanna Brunner, and Callie Heflin. Alan is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Clyde and Jean Mullins, Verlie Carter, Eula Mullins, Henry and Peggy Brubaker, Francis and Lorine Slough, Norene Brubaker, Ruth Graham, Ruby Wells, Henry and Betty Ann Wagner, and Marie Brubaker. "Aunt Ree" spent many hours with Alan, teaching him how to drive a tractor and getting into all kinds of adventures. Alan has many cousins who survive as well, and he held a special place as the youngest of the grandchildren on both sides of his family. Sonya's family was also very special to Alan, in particular, Roy and Joyce Atkins, and Sonya's sisters. Matt Stover was a special friend of Alan's. They were born the same day and they were friends all through school. Special cousins include Kevin Slough, who was like a brother to Alan, and Gina Bailey, who was a treasured friend. Alan treasured all of his family, including his many cousins. Preceding Alan in reaching heaven were his paternal grandparents, James Emmett and Daisy Young Mullins; and his maternal grandparents, Isaac William and Viola Slayton Brubaker. He was also preceded in death by his uncles Lewis Brubaker, George Brubaker, Homer Graham, Elmer Lucas, Herman Mullins, Lewis Thompson, and Euel Emberson, and aunts Hazel Mullins, Ruby Emberson, Mary Lucas, and Betty Brubaker. Grandma Brubaker was a pivotal person in Alan's life, and remained an important influence for him even after she went to heaven in 2002. Just the day before he passed away, he had thoroughly enjoyed helping stir the apple butter at Henry and Peggy Brubaker's house, a sweet memory of special times at Grandma Brubaker's. There are no words to express the sorrow we feel at the loss of someone so precious to us. Alan was a man with a big heart who always loved helping people. He was a gifted salesman, loved drag racing, and was a master pool player. In recent years, many health issues made the days difficult for him, but he always found the strength to laugh and would do anything for Brady and Karly. He told the best jokes and stories, and he loved with a depth that few people ever attain. He lit up our lives in a way that would be difficult to express, and we will miss him terribly until the day we join him in heaven. A celebration of Alan's life will be held at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2014 with Rev. Kathryn F. Budzik officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch Church of the Brethren Cemetery, beside his beloved Grandma and Grandpa Brubaker, and near his beloved Grandma and Grandpa Mullins. We know they were all there to greet him, and we have no doubt he is sharing stories with Grandpa Mullins and resting in the warmth of Grandma Brubaker's love. His legacy lives on in his children, the rest of his family, and the many friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched. Visitation for Alan's family and friends will be held at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 4, from 5 to 9 pm. A reception will follow the interment at Gogginsville UMC Family Life Center, 111 Gogginsville Road, Rocky Mount. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive (Route 220 at Wirtz Road), Rocky Mount. www.connerbowman.com