Jackie Maurice Mullen

Jackie Maurice Mullen, 83, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away on March 23 at home with his family at his side. He was born on April 4, 1942, in Bunn, NC, to Melvin Mullen and Doris Pearce Mullen Raper. Jackie attended Louisburg College on a baseball scholarship before graduating from North Carolina State University with an engineering degree. He then earned a dental degree from the University of North Carolina. After dental school, he proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, working as a dental officer with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. He then established a general dentistry practice in Rocky Mount, NC, a career that became a vocation. Caring for multiple generations of families for nearly 40 years brought him tremendous fulfillment, as did forging lasting personal and professional relationships throughout the community and around the state. A lifelong learner, Jackie gained great satisfaction from serving as a member of the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners. Above all, Jackie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His ceaseless curiosity and inquisitive spirit led him to excel in numerous pursuits, including tennis, golf, hunting, and deep sea fishing. He learned to fly planes and make jewelry, and, more recently, became an accomplished wood turner and furniture maker. In retirement, he was an active member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and served as a deacon. His family, however, always held the central place in his heart. Together, they created countless memories of a life well lived. Jackie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judy Williams Mullen, his daughter, Sarah Katharyn Mullen (Matthew Hedstrom) of Charlottesville, VA and his son, Matthew Mullen (Elizabeth Mullen) of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Lucille Mullen of Chicago, IL, and Simon Mullen of Bend, OR; his brother, Charles Mullen (Pam Mullen) of Rocky Mount, NC; his sister-in-law, Heidi Mullen of Wake Forest, NC; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with many lifelong friendships that were a constant source of joy. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Robert and Mildred Moody, and his brother, Craig Mullen. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the many caregivers whose kindness and support sustained him in his last two years: Rhonda Finn from Eleos Home Care, the staff of MediHome Hospice, and in his final days, the team from Loving Arms Care. A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Pine Ridge Baptist Church, 874 Pine Ridge Rd., Zebulon, NC, 27597. A visitation for guests will follow. Arrangements are being handled by Teague Funeral Home, Charlottesville, VA and Massey Funeral Home, Zebulon, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the National Aphasia Association, 5448 Apex Peakway Drive, Suite 232, Apex, NC, 27502 or online at aphasia.org