Thomas Cleveland Mullis

Thomas Cleveland Mullis fell asleep peacefully at his home in the arms of his wife and children on March 27, 2023. Born December 3, 1949, in St. Augustine, Florida he was a life-long resident who was affectionately known as “Tommy” to all who knew him. Like many other boys who grew up in sunny Northeast Florida, Tommy developed a love for fishing, hunting, automobiles, and animals. Sadly, he lost his father at an early age but with determination of heart to be the best person he could become he developed many outstanding qualities and had many successes in life. He graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1966 and went on to proudly serve in the Naval Air Reserves from 1968-1976. It was during this time, he met the love of his life, Gretta McQuaig at the local bowling alley. His buddies dared him to ask her out on a date and he accepted the challenge. It didn’t take him long to realize that she was “The one!” The two were married August 7, 1971, and would eventually welcome the birth of their two children, Thomas Christopher in 1973 and Deanna Lynn in 1976. In 1978 with encouragement from others and a desire to better care for his family he studied and sat for the Florida Surveyor’s exam. When once asked about that time in his life, he said it was one of the most stressful experiences he had faced. His diligent preparation though resulted in him passing the state exam which now requires a master’s degree. In the following years he would work his way up from an entry level position to part owner of McKee Eiland and Mullis Land Surveyors in Orange Park, Florida where he worked until he was able to enjoy an early retirement in 2003. However, after his retirement he didn’t slow down. He was a true family man who was kind, gentle, hardworking, cool headed, self-sacrificing, honest, generous and who had the patience of Job. These are just some of the words others have used to describe Tommy. He instilled in both his children the importance of modesty, industriousness and led by example what it means to be a loving spouse and caring parent. His love for his wife Gretta was unwavering and there will never be anyone who can fulfill a “Honey Do” list quite like him. He set the bar high for all those around him! No matter where he lived, he could be seen maintaining his yard and caring for his vehicles, which were always immaculate. While a resident in the Marsh Creek community on Anastasia Island for many years, Tommy served on the Architectural Review Board as an active member and chairman. He regularly enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR, knife collecting, golfing with his buddies, and traveling. He and Gretta were especially fond of traveling by cruise ship to many beautiful locations and places of interest. Anyone who knew Tommy can tell you that he deeply loved his wife and children and that he would do just about anything for their happiness. The only thing that eclipsed his love for them was his affection for his three grandsons, Julian Edward Scott (2003), Logan Isaiah Scott (2007) and Thomas “Carter” Mullis (2011). “Big Daddy” as he was known to them spent countless hours showering all the boys with love and teaching them how to fish, shoot guns, golf, taking them to monster truck shows and much more. Tommy’s physical presence, unmatched calm demeanor and encouraging words will be greatly missed by those who loved him. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Cleveland Mullis and his sister, Beverly LeCount. He is survived by his wife Gretta, his children and their spouses, Chris and Keri, Deanna and Carlos, his three grandsons, his mother Edna Lane, his brother John Mullis, as well as nephews, nieces, cousins and long-time supportive friends. A memorial service will be help at 6pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A visitation will precede the service from 5-6pm. Those unable to attend can view the service live-streamed by clicking this link: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/2aae7d5f-98fd-a9e6-32a7-b774547cf42c Private family interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida at www.communityhospice.com/give. or Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate/.

Thomas Cleveland Mullis

December 3, 1949 - March 27, 2023