James Burley “JB” Mullis died early Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 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. He continued to travel with his loving wife Melba, visiting places such Ireland, Greece, Holland, Norway, Egypt, Hawaii, and many others. 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. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his group of friends. Cars, golfing, NASCAR, and sports were also pursuits. He was a member of Maplewood Baptist Church.

Survivors: his wife of 46 years, Melba Holden Mullis; siblings, Betty Binkley, Gilbert Mullis and wife Anita of Advance, and Bobby Garner and wife Daphne of Germanton; 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; grandchildren, Caitlin Oikemus, Cody Oikemus, Rebecca Snead, Sarah Mullis, Brandon Mullis, and Ryan Mullis.

He was preceded in death by sister Josephine Gibbons.

The visitation was Friday, Aug. 3 from 7-9 p.m. at Gentry Family Funeral Home in Yadkinville. The funeral was Saturday at 2 p.m. at Maplewood Baptist Church. A private graveside service was held following the funeral.

Memorials: Mountain Valley Hospice.

Condolences: www.gentryfuneralservice.com.