William Paul McMullen, Sr.

It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of William Paul McMullen, Sr. at 82. He is remembered by friends and family as constantly putting his mind and body to work, tending to his land and family, and fishing the day away with a Natural Light in hand.

Born April 21, 1944 in Brooks County, Georgia, Paul was the fifth of seven children. From an early age, hard work was both his priority and purpose. He was always eager to work, but also hungry for leisure. He met the love of his life, Inez Weaver, at a young age after a chance encounter hunting squirrels. They reconnected years later, and in 1965, they married after only a few weeks of dating. For decades, they weathered life’s challenges, raised a family, and built a home frequented by visitors, filled with food, and alive with conversation. Through every season of life, they remained side by side, creating countless memories with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Entering the plumbing trade at just seventeen, Paul would eventually own and operate Thomasville Plumbing & Heating for 36 years, serving local businesses and residences with his exceptional craftsmanship and high expectations. He was well known for the frequent fish fries he would host for his employees, friends, and community members. However, plumbing was not just a job to him; it was an integral piece of his personality. His love for the trade was clear everywhere, from the ‘commodes,’ ‘spigots,’ and outhouse decor scattered throughout his offices and homes to the countless stories he could tell of his experiences in the profession.

Paul was seldom idle. Most days he was dressed in a pearl snap along with his familiar light blue hat, often a bird feather tucked into the band, busy with a project. He was most content when his hands were busy and there was work to be done. Hard work brought him purpose, and he showed his love through it and through providing for his family. When he was not working, he was on the water fishing. He loved spending time by the pond at both his home and farm, or floating along the St. Johns River, happiest when the fish were biting and responsibilities were few.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Inez McMullen; his daughter, Melissa Rodgers (Kenny); his son, “Buck” McMullen; his nephew, Charlie “Little Buck” Weaver; his five grandchildren, Lee McMullen (Gabrielle), Matthew McMullen, Paul McMullen (Holly), Kenna Bear (Patrick), and Huntley Rodgers; and five great-grandchildren, Landen McMullen, Elias and Oliver McMullen, and Conner and Katherine McMullen, whom he and Inez adopted in 2021 and loved as their own. He is also survived by his sister Janet McRae (Joe), brother Gerald McMullen, and close friends Gerry Swann, Otis Forbes, Scott Sanders, Don McCall, Gene Frazier, Bill McDowell, Rick Morris, and many others. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law John Weaver (Marge), Joe Weaver, Charlie Ray Weaver, and sister-in-law Millie Weaver. He is preceded in death by his parents Primus and Ela Mae McMullen and his brothers Wilton “Skeet” McMullen, Ellis McMullen, Carl McMullen, and James McMullen.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 4pm-6pm at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home. A private funeral service will be held among family.