Roger Clayton Mullins

Ret. Colonel Roger “Butch” Clayton Mullins, age 84 of Salem, passed away on April 10, 2023.  He leaves behind his wife, Patricia Huffman Mullins, son and daughter-in-law Scott and Charlene Mullins and daughter Kim-Marie Hall.  His grandchildren Ian Kelly Mullins, Sarah Elizabeth Mabry and Jesse Catherine Mathias. Also, two beautiful great grandchildren, Ian & Rachael Mullins’ son Christian Kelly Mullins and Sarah and Jacob Mabry’s son Vander Logan Mabry.

Roger was a graduate of Virginia Tech where he was a member of the corps of cadets.  He played trumpet for the Hightey Tighties, had a band that performed throughout the south east entertaining college students with tunes of the time.  He was also known to find himself on stage with big name stage bands; most proudly, Louis Armstrong. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force.  After he served two tours in Viet Nam, he spent his career piloting B-52s, leading squadrons of countless officers, advancing to key leadership roles in the Strategic Air Command, and, most of all, serving the country he loved.  After retiring from service and a brief stint working for a defense contractor, Roger and Pat returned “home” to live in Pearisburg.  Never one to be idle, Roger quickly got involved and wore many hats during their time in Pearisburg; all with the same characteristics of leadership, and service to his community. Editor of the Virginian Leader, county administrator, member of the PSA board, President of the Chamber of Commerce, the Giles Country Club, interviewer for high school graduates seeking admission to military academies, and an advisor to a host of other groups that sought his guidance and leadership.   Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Martha Mullins, his brothers Robia and Paul, and his sisters Polly, Bea, Ruth, Helen, and Aleta. Roger was larger than life, a hero to not just his family but the communities he served, a lover of music, golf and all of his friends.  Those that know him well can be sure, if we asked him today how he is doing, his response would be “If I were any better, I couldn’t stand it!”. 

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, VA with the Rev. Dr. Brian Burch officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service from 1 – 2pm.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.