Doyle Henry McMullan, 83, crossed the finish line into Heaven’s gate on August 30, 2025.
Doyle was a lifelong educator, known by many of his former students as Coach McMullan. He started his career at Sebastopol and taught at Scott Central, Scott Academy, and Decatur High School/Newton County High School, before retiring as the founder of the Engineering program at the Newton County Vocational Center. He “unretired” to teach at Newton County Academy and to serve as a substitute teacher with the Newton County Schools for many years.
Doyle and Janie, his wife of 59 years, have spent a lifetime of putting faith and family first. Their decades of service to Clarke-Venable Memorial Baptist Church in Decatur, MS, include teaching Sunday School, teaching VBS, and Doyle serving as Chairman of the Deacons. Additionally, they have joyfully served with The Gideons International since the 1980’s. Generations of ECCC students have been presented bibles by Mr. Doyle, including most of his own grandchildren.
Doyle and Janie are very well-known for being the ones who show up for people in their times of need. Many days and nights have been spent with Doyle and Janie by the side of church and community members in hospital waiting rooms and living rooms across Central Mississippi. Doyle’s deep voice in prayer has been a comfort to many.
As a corporal in the United States Marine Corps, “Semper Fi” remained close to Doyle’s heart. He embodied “Once a Marine, always a Marine” as a way of life. He never missed an opportunity to encourage young Marines and to enjoy the camaraderie of those whose active service ended long ago.
Doyle and Janie have always placed family as a top priority. From attending ball games and recitals to taking all of their grandchildren camping, they have always shown their love by being present when it matters to their loved ones.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Bully” and Emma Mae Thompson McMullan, as well by his brother Terry “Big T” McMullan.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Janie Johnson McMullan; son, Stephen (Eileen) McMullan; daughter, LeAnn (Dennis) Sullivan; grandsons, Jonathan (Chloe) Sullivan, Ethan McMullan, and Andrew Sullivan; granddaughters, Alana McMullan, Hannah (Kollin) Sullivan Razmi, Alyssa McMullan, and Aleah McMullan; great-grandsons, Coty and Wade; sisters, Charleece (Richard) Gipson and Bonnie (John) Walker; brother, Kenny (Brenda) McMullan; sisters-in-law, Nelda McMullan and Sharon Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss him tremendously.
Visitation was held on Monday, September 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Clarke-Venable Memorial Baptist Church in Decatur. Visitation continued at Clarke-Venable on Tuesday, September 2, from 10-11 a.m., with a celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Interment was held in the Decatur Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Milling Funeral Home of Union.
Pallbearers were Richard Gaddie, Todd Gipson, James Harold Johnson, Blake McMullan, Dustin McMullan, Ken McMullan, Tem McMullan, Mark Walker and Matt Walker.
Flag Bearers were Albert Germany and Justin Johnson.
The McMullan family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International in lieu of flowers.
Paid Obituary
