Michael Drew Mullins

Mike Mullins, 76 of Tampa, FL, passed from this world into the loving arms of Jesus early on Monday, May 6th, after a long battle with cancer. He finished his life at home, looking out into the same woods he grew up in, at peace and with family around him.

Mike was born November 24th, 1947, in Tampa, the oldest son of Hugh and Ida Mullins. He was preceded into death by his parents, and younger siblings Patrick and Nancy. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, son David, favorite daughter-in-law Bobbi, and grandchildren Nathan and Reilly.

Mike was a teacher through and through. He started his career teaching high school marine biology, and eventually became the Supervisor for Environmental Education for Hillsborough County Schools. He also did similar work through Mangrove Pencil Publications, and later Nature Coast Environmental Education. His fingerprints are all over Nature’s Classroom, Mosaic’s Coastal Education Center, and Lettuce Lake Park, and he volunteered extensively with the Tampa Audubon Society.

Mike was a leader in his church as well, serving many different roles at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, including Sunday School teacher, Church Council Chair, and preaching from time to time.

If you knew Mike, you learned how to laugh in fairly short order. Jesus and an odd sense of humor got him through over 20 years of battling cancer with a smile on his face. God used him to bless so many people, in doctor’s offices, classrooms, and state parks all over the place.

A Celebration of Life service for Mike will be held on Saturday, June 1st, 2:00 pm at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 2707 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike can be made to Lifepath Hospice or Oak Grove UMC.