James Eldred "Blackie" Mullinnix

James Eldred "Blackie" Mullinnix, 83, of the Delhi community, passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2012.

Eldred was born June 6, 1928, in Hearne, to Luther Arthur Mullinnix and Leona Eugenia Pritchett Mullinnix. He married Sarah Junell Walker on Dec. 4, 1948, in McGregor. Eldred was a member of the Waelder United Methodist Church, he had served on the Caldwell County Historical Commission and the Caldwell County Historical Society, he had been a long time member of the Woodmen of the World, he had taught Sunday school for many years and had served as a Scout Master where he lead 19 young men in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank of scouting.

Eldred had served his country honorably as a medic in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After being discharged he worked as a sheet metal worker. In 1975, he went to work at Lockhart High School in vocational educational. As a vocational instructor he taught many young people various trades in construction that would put them on course for productive careers in this industry. Today, many will attest that their successes in life are due to his leadership, his vast knowledge of construction, his passion to help young men and women succeed in life and most importantly his love for people.

Blackie, as he was known by many, had been a member of the Delhi Volunteer Fire Department, and was personally responsible for the department obtaining grants that funded the acquisition of a defibulator, jaws of life tool, a pump truck, protective gear and clothing and a new fire house building to name a few. He had worked diligently with departments from the U.S. Forestry Service, the Texas Forestry Service, Homeland Security, GVEC and Bluebonnet Electric Co-op to obtain the grant monies for these acquisitions.

James Eldred Mullinnix was a man of integrity; his word was surely his bond. He radiated a kindness and love that commanded respect and admiration from those that knew him. He was a magnificent husband and best friend to his wife of 63 years, and a loving father and grandfather to his sons and grandchildren. Though he was actively involved in so many community, fraternal, church and other projects through the years, he did on occasion find time to fish, and as a younger man he enjoyed hunting in the desert. He enjoyed working in his garden, tending his cattle, raising goats, pheasants and ducks, but he thoroughly enjoyed working faithfully alongside his wife studying and researching family genealogy, where they accumulated enough family history to complete seven heavy books documenting years of family history.

Eldred Mullinnix is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Junell Mullinnix of Delhi; sons and daughters-in-law Eldred Eugene and Sharon Mullinnix of Austin, and Paul Weston and Deborah Mullinnix of League City; grandchildren Jennifer Mullinnix, Ethan Eldred Mullinnix, Thomas Eldred Mullinnix, Melissa Lutz, Katherine Mullinnix and Sarah A. Mullinnix; great-grandchildren Taylor Matthews, Sophie Mullinnix, Walker Eldred Mullinnix, Eli Eldred Mullinnix, Caleb Lutz, Aaron Lutz and Hannah Joy Mullinnix; and his favorite dog Duafus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Thelma Heedick and brother Luther Arthur Mullinnix Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the Delhi Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Hickman officiating. Memorials may be made to the Delhi Volunteer Fire Department. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.