Robert Fitzgerald (Fitz) Mullins, 56, of Bickmore, unexpectedly left this world on Thursday, August 27.
He was born on May 12, 1964, in Gassaway, WV, to Mabel (Rush) and Ira Mullins. He was his momma’s baby boy – the final of her six children. He graduated from Clay County High School in 1982.
On June 10, 1983, Fitzy married Robin Cash. The pair spent 38 years together and provided a loving foundation for their four children.
Fitzy was a kind, hardworking man. Those who worked with him during his almost 40 years tree trimming knew he was never going to be outworked on the job, and they could always rely on him to mentor and teach those new to the field. Those men will tell you that while he taught them about the job, he also loved to share life skills and lessons.
Anyone who knew Fitzy knew he was a talker. He was always ready to share a story about his family or a fun memory he had from his youth. However, he was also one who loved to hear the stories of others. He liked to understand people and learn how he could help them. That was who he was – he was a helper.
While his children are now grown, he was a fixture in youth sports back in the day. He loved teaching kids the basics of whatever game they chose to play. He had energy and enthusiasm that allowed him to run up and down the court or field with the kids, and that assured they were always having fun. That was his goal – teach them the basics, teach them teamwork, build passion, and assure it was a good time for all.
That love for youth sports was reignited in recent years with the arrival of his grandbaby Jonavan, in 2012, and a sudden move back to Clay County, in 2016, that allowed him to form a great bond with his niece, Destiney. Fitzy was so proud of those two kiddos. He was their biggest fan. He loved to cheer on Jonavan on the wrestling mat and football field while he encouraged Destiny to pursue running as a Lady Panther. They brought such joy to his life.
Fitz is survived by his wife, Robin Mullins; his three daughters Jennifer (Rob) Fletcher of Clendenin, WV, Jamie Mullins of Glenville, WV, and Jeana Mullins of Bickmore, WV; his son Jonathan (Stevie) Mullins of Hershey, PA; his brothers Archie (Margaret) Rush of Loudenville, OH, James ‘Poke’ Mullins of Widen, WV, and Dallas ‘Dude’ (Lori) Mullins, of Bickmore, WV; his sister Barbara (Shorty) Crites of Nitro, WV; his only grandson Jonavan Mullins of Glenville, WV; and his special niece Destiney Mullins, of Bickmore, WV. Additionally, he is survived by a large extended family who loved and cherished him.
He will be greeted in Heaven by his parents, Mabel and Ira Mullins, his sister Sharon ‘Elaine’ Mullins and her companion Larry Hash, sister-in-law Donna Hill, and his in-laws Calvin and Jean Rose.
In honor of his memory, the family elected to donate his organs to provide others the opportunity to live. As a man whose life was about helping others, that is his legacy.
A Graveside Service was held Sunday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery.
