Ellis Kedrick "Ked" Mullins, a devoted husband, father, veteran, and educator, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on April 12, 2026, at the age of 79. He died from complications following a stroke suffered in 2018.
Ked’s storied life began on March 27, 1947, in Benham, Kentucky. Born in the heart of "bloody" Harlan County during a time of great labor unrest, he spent his early years in Norton, Virginia, developing a lifelong love for the Smoky Mountains of Appalachia. His family later moved to Lone Star, Texas, where he cherished memories of their "house on the lake," before settling in Longview. A proud Pine Tree Pirate, Ked spent his high school years balancing football, working on souped-up cars, and keeping the beat as the drummer for the Jewel Tones.
Following graduation in 1965, Ked pursued his passion for media at radio school in Dallas and Kilgore Junior College. He lent his voice to the airwaves at KFRO, KDOX, and KGRI before answering the call to service.
In 1967, Ked joined the U.S. Army, attending the Defense Information School to become a Public Information Officer. He served as a journalist with the 9th Division in Vietnam, documenting the realities of war until he was wounded in June 1968. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His recovery brought him to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio—the city that would become his lifelong home.
After leaving the Army in 1970, Ked dedicated himself to education and the written word. He earned both a BA and an MA in English from St. Mary’s University. His journalism career spanned the Northside Recorder, Kelly AFB, the San Antonio Express-News, and the San Antonio Light until its closure in 1993. Transitioning to the classroom, Ked inspired many students at JFK High School and served as an adjunct faculty member at several universities in San Antonio, including UTSA, St. Mary’s, and OLLU.
A proud member of the Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas since 1971, Ked was happily involved with the local Irish community. His family fondly remembers decorating and driving his prized Chevy Malibu in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. His service to the Society earned him the Cusack Family Award. In 1976, he married Alicia Hunt, with whom he shared interests in history, literature, and family. He greatly appreciated the genealogical research of family historians which authenticated for him his ancestors’ part in the founding of the earliest English settlements in Virginia and later settlements as well. Together, Ked and Alicia raised five children, following them through many happy years of involvement in their sports, schools, and milestones. In his later years, he found that same delight in his grandchildren. He enjoyed the fellowship of the San Antonio Public Library book clubs and the Our Lady of Grace Rosary prayer group and parish guild gatherings as well events sponsored by the Monte Vista Historical Association.
Ked was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis I. Mullins and Evelyn Geneva Roberts Mullins, and his sister, LaWahana Mullins.
He is survived by his wife, Alicia; children, Michael, David, Deirdre (Tye) Jones, Patrick (Andrea), and Christopher; grandchildren, Dominic Mullins and Hannah Jones; brother-in-law, Trey Hunt (Patricia Sloan Hunt); sister-in-law, Mary Lou Hunt; niece, Carolyn Sloan Hunt; cousins, Beverly Hindsman Allen and James M. Allen and their family: Cindi Appleberry (Adrian), James B. Allen (Bonnie), Natalie, Samuel, Lilly, Isaac, and Micah Appleberry, and Carolyn (Dustin) and Atlas, and Nicholas and Zachary Allen and numerous other cousins and cousins-in-law.
A man of intellect, faith, and resilience, Ked’s legacy lives on in the stories he reported, the students he taught, and the family he championed.
On Thursday, May.14, 2026 at 7 PM, a Rosary will be recited at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave San Antonio Texas 78212.
Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11 AM, a Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 223 E Summit Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212.
Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. A Reception will take place at Our Lady of Grace Church following the burial.
Pallbearers: Michael, David, Patrick, Christopher, and Dominic Mullins, Tye Jones, Trey Hunt, and Hector Ledezma
Honorary Pallbearers: James B. Allen, Adrian Appleberry, James M. Allen, Samuel, Isaac, and Micah Appleberry, and Nicholas and Zachery Allen
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Paws for Purple Hearts of San Antonio. https://www.pawsforpurplehearts.org/donate
