Newell "Wayne" Mullis, age 79, of Cochran, Georgia, passed away on January 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will take place Tuesday, January 31,2023 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Mathis Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, February 1,2023 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Cochran followed by graveside internment at the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery.

Born in Bleckley County to the late Scott and Christine Mullis on November 15, 1943, Wayne was the third of four sons (Harold, Doyle, and James). He was a 1961 graduate of Cochran High School and married Betty Jean Stapleton in 1965. Wayne spent a successful early career at Sears Roebuck and Co. as a service technician. In 1975, he and Betty started B&W Air. His remarkable breadth of knowledge and their teamwork were the core of a cherished local HVAC, electrical, and appliance repair business until their retirement in 2022. Wayne was dedicated to God, family, and country. He was a member of the Georgia National Guard where he served as a tank commander. Ordained a deacon at Bethany Baptist Church in 1969, he served in numerous leadership roles while there. A champion for students, he twice served as band booster president, both in Bleckley and Dodge County. He was appointed and subsequently elected to the Dodge County Board of Education where he served six years. In 1989, he and his wife joined First Baptist Church of Cochran. An avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener, he also came to be an active and enthusiastic coin collector. A kind and generous man with a gentle spirit and a knack for making everyone he encountered feel special, he will be missed.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty; one son, Greg (Lisa) Mullis; and grandchildren McKenzie Mullis and Matthew Mullis. He is also survived by one brother, James (Zandra) Mullis; a nephew Charles (Bridgett) Mullis; nieces including Cindi Mullis and Terri (Tony) Sewell; nephews including Henry (Heather) Mullis and Ben (Katie) Mullis; and numerous cousins, including Jimmy (Cathy) Mullis and Tracee (Doug) Kitchens.