Rev. Jessie “Jay” Truman Mullikin
Rev. Jessie “Jay” Truman Mullikin, 84, of Gray Court, husband of Judy Diana Ambrose Mullikin, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 1, 2021. Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Rev. James Harold and Zoa McAlister Mullikin.
Jessie was a true renaissance man. He became a master in many endeavors but served only one Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. From his humble beginnings on a farm in rural South Carolina – where he conquered the countryside with a slingshot and a smile – he also tended animals, vegetable gardens, and picked cotton. As a young boy, his interest in cars was sparked after working at Randal’s gas station which evolved into building and running hot rods in the 1950s. As a young man, he served his country as a US Army Motor Pool Sergeant in South Korea. After returning from the military, he continued to serve as a K9 officer in Seneca, South Carolina, patrolling developing areas. Though he held no culinary degree, he loved to express himself with food. Jessie was famous for his hot dogs and chili, which received national recognition. He used his entrepreneurial spirit to become a restauranteur of several restaurants and businesses. Jessie also enjoyed working with his hands. His Native American heritage was passed on to him from his Granddad who taught him to grow tobacco, find water and dig wells. He was often building birdhouses, working with construction, and even detailing control rooms for Daniel Construction Company.
Jessie’s love for the Lord brought him to be a faithful member of multiple churches throughout his life. His last membership was at the Fountain Inn Church of God. He had strong ties to the Gray Court Church of God, Hickory Tavern Church of God, and Laurens Church of God. Along with church membership, he was a member of the Fountain Inn Masonic lodge #192. He had a passion for serving as an active member of the Church in many positions. He was a Sunday School teacher, superintendent, and served with nursing home outreaches. Jessie felt the call to become ordained in his later years as he continued to minister. As he liked to say, “We all serve the same lord, let no man’s label stop us from spreadin’ the gospel”.
Jessie was Zoa’s baby boy; then Judy Diane’s loving husband; to becoming a wonderful Dad and Father in-law and a precious Granddad – he was both blessed and a blessing. From sinner to redeemed. From birth to death. His family could continue to write about his life but know all good things on earth must come to an end. He will be missed.
Jessie is survived by his loving wife Judy Diana. His two sons, Rev Dr. Jesse Mullikin, Jr. of Gray Court and Jacob Mullikin and his wife, Hannah, of Sumter. His three daughters, Jennifer Mullikin of the home, Sandie Adams of Clinton, and Sherry Shaw of Spartanburg. Also, five grandchildren, Walter Mullikin, Blake Adams, Tyler Capps, Jonathon Capps, and Christy Shaw. He was excitedly awaiting the birth of his second granddaughter, yet to be named by Jacob and Hannah; his three siblings, Nancy Gardener, Mary Frances Styles, and John Earl Mullikin; his dear Mother-in-law, Sally Butler, Uncle Jesse McAlister, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Jessie was preceded in death by his siblings James Carl Mullikin, Cecil Mullikin, and Betty Coggins.
Mr. Mullikin will be available for those wishing to pay their respects on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The family will be present from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Masks will be required and we ask everyone to observe proper social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The By Name Project, PO Box 3012, Sumter, SC 29151.
Dear Lord, please comfort those in grief,
Love them, lift them, give relief
For loss they’ve suffered, sadness felt;
Make this sorrow slowly melt.
Lord, let happy memories ease,
Creating peace like a gentle breeze,
And as you help them make it through.
Draw them closer, Lord, to you.
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Please know that I am thinking of you in the passing of Mr. Mullikin. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please let Jennifer know that I am praying for her.
Nell Harrison
Sending up special prayers for all of you. Sis, I know Jay was a great husband and father and the two of you had a love for each other that very few could even dream of having. We all love and miss him. I am here if you need me. I love all of you.
Jay was a great son in law. I will always cherish all my memories and the laughter we shared through the years. Im praying for my daughter, grands and great-grands for their pain they are feeling. God please hold them tight as you walk with them through the loss and pains they are feeling.
Uncle Jay you will be missed but we all know you are in a better place RIP Thoughts and Prayers for Anne and the family
Uncle Jay, thank you for being like a dad to me and treating me like a Daughter growing up. I have many memories of you and all of them were good! You were patient and kind. You had a heart of gold and loved the Lord and would tell everybody about Jesus. You were a great man of God and you will be missed. You will always be my favorite Uncle and I can’t wait to see you again in Heaven when my time comes!
JT was Always one of my Favorite Cousins.
He was my Daddy’s (Claude Edward McAllister)
Favorite nephew.
I used to love hearing the stories about their times together.
I Think about you guys and Pray for Y’all daily.
May our Lord wrap His Loving Arms Around You and Comfort You in this season and all seasons of your life.
I really hate that I have not been able to be there for you all. I am already missing Jay. He was the best cousin I had and the only one to call me on a regular basis. I will miss those calls. He always made me laugh. Just know that I am praying for all of you. I love each one of you and wish I could be there, but things get in the way and other things happen to prevent me from coming. I am with you all in spirit and love. Diane, this will be a hard day for you, but lean on God to get you through. Anytime you want to talk or just come over, just give me a call. You are welcome at my house any time. I love you and will be talking with you in the days ahead. Rest in Peace JT!!!! Love you cuz!!! Love and prayers, Janis Hawkins
Blessing and prayers for the whole family. Jay was a great man.