Ray J. Mullins

 Ray Mullins, 88 of Emmett, Idaho, passed away Friday May 14, 2021, of congestive heart failure.  Ray was surrounded by the ones he loved as he peacefully passed.

 Ray was born June 25, 1932, in Emmett, Idaho, to J. H. “Dude” and Mildred “Skeet” Welch Mullins.  Ray lived in Stibnite, Idaho, as a child and later returned to Emmett, where he graduated from Emmett High School in 1950.   Ray married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Morrow, and had two daughters, Patti & Kris.

 On sports scholarships, Ray attended Boise Junior College where he made Honorable Mention All Conference in basketball and baseball.  He then attended the College of Idaho, where he earned All Northwest Conference honors. There he had the honor and privilege of playing basketball with Elgin Baylor and R.C. Owens.  Owens was Ray’s roommate when traveling with the team.  Ray graduated with a Bachelors degree and began his coaching and teaching career in Middleton, Idaho. 

 Ray was a true athlete and excelled in tennis, basketball, baseball, golf and marksmanship.  Ray traveled to California for minor league baseball tryouts with the Pittsburg Pirates.  In later years he wryly quipped that they must have lost his phone number because they never called to say he made the team.

 In 1960 Ray and his family returned to Emmett, where he taught U.S. History and coached Varsity Basketball.  Ray was a very respected teacher and coach.  The Emmett Huskies were known for their winning records and for bringing home the Idaho State Basketball Championship Trophy in 1965.  Ray also coached girls’ softball, the Husky golf team, and served as Rodeo Club Advisor. Ray retired from basketball coaching in 1979 and from teaching in 1994.   I n 1994 Ray was inducted into the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame.  He received many awards throughout his career and was very humble about them all.

 In the late 50’s and early 60’s Ray worked for the Forest Service; he and his family were stationed in Big Creek, High Valley and Ola.   In later years he became Emmett’s Summer City Recreation Director.

 In the l 970’s Ray built his dream-come-true cabin on the McCall golf course, where he spent as much time as possible with his companion Jean.   He enjoyed the time there and all  the good friends he met on and off the Golf course.  Many evenings were spent on the deck in McCall, sipping wine and enjoying the various wildlife that wandered by.

 Ray enjoyed his family and the gatherings they had.  He had a big impact on many lives and will be deeply missed.

 Ray was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, his daughter Patti Holbrook,  a grandson Todd Heath, his parents Dude & Skeet Mullins, and his in-laws Charles & Bessie Morrow.

 Ray is survived by his companion of 28 years Jean Nutile, his daughter Kris  (Eddie) Heath, son-in-law Steve Holbrook, grandchildren Jason (Cassie) Humphries, Ryan (Jessica) Humphries, Melissa Holbrook, Keri (Michael) Welch, Mark (Shara) Heath,  Matt Heath, and 11 great grandchildren.

 A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett. 

 The family extends a very special thank you to Cyndy Bryson for the love, professionalism, and compassion she showed Ray and his family.  Thank you also to Dr. Thomson  and nurse Kathy for the medical service and friendship showed over the years and  to Canyon Home Care and Hospice for your guidance and support.  Thank you Abbey for your special touch.

 In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to McPaws Regional Animal Shelter, 831 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 or Emmett Public School Foundation, 400 S. Pine, Emmett, Idaho 83617; or a charity of your choice.

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