John Mullen III

GRANITEVILLE, SC - John Mullen, III, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at Aiken Regional Medical Centers on December 4, 2024, at the age of 77. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Margaret Garrison Mullen.

Born on July 2, 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, into a Navy Military family, John grew up in many different and interesting locations including Hawaii, Boston and Cuba. He was the son of the late John Mullen, Jr. and Margaret McDowell Mullen, who were both originally from Camden, South Carolina.

Reflecting on his upbringing, John’s favorite memories were from his family’s time being stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, while his father was a Navy aviator. The bonds formed in the close-knit community on base during those years not only shaped his childhood but also created lasting friendships that endured across decades. One of the pivotal moments he remembered was the evacuation to the mainland during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a testament to both the challenges and camaraderie of those times.

John graduated from Clemson University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Although he trained as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, deployments to Vietnam ended before John’s flight class was scheduled to report there. He continued his service at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, until 1975. He continued his service at Fort Bragg, culminating in an honorable discharge as a captain in 1975.

Following his military career, John dedicated nearly three decades to Palmetto Federal Savings and Loan Association and then Regions Bank, where he held various positions, ultimately becoming Senior Vice-President in charge of Special Assets and REO Manager. John was also involved in the Homebuilders Association and became a licensed as a real estate broker.

A parishioner of St. Mary Help of Christians Church, John was also a long-time member of SERTOMA, contributing to the Aiken, Breakfast, and Southern Cross clubs, where he served in various leadership roles including that of president. His commitment to community service was evident.

John's passions extended beyond his professional life; he was an avid golfer in his younger years, achieving an impressive 4 handicap and enjoying membership at Midland Valley and Woodside Country Clubs as well as at Pinehurst. He also had a passion for building and operating radio-controlled model airplanes. One of his proudest achievements was finishing a Ford Trimotor model, a project originally started by his uncle.

In addition to his wife, John leaves behind two sons, Sam Mullen and his wife Akiko of Lake Forest, California, and Dr. Tom Mullen and his wife Emily of Grants Pass, Oregon. He was the adoring grandfather to Enna and Liam of Lake Forest. His legacy continues through his sisters, Marilyn Warren and Katherine Kennon of Nashville, Tennessee, and Margaret Parrish of Columbia, South Carolina.

Family and friends will gather to honor John’s life and legacy. Services will be held at Shellhouse Funeral Home Inc located at 924 Hayne Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801, on December 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary Help of Christians Church, 203 Park Ave. SE, Aiken, SC 29801; or Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS), P.O. Box 2207, Aiken, SC 29802.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801