Supporters host Mullins remembrance dinner event

Friends and supporters of Chucky Mullins are invited to a remembrance dinner March 12 at 6 p.m. at Doe’s Eat Place in downtown Russellville.

The Forever Golden memorial dinner will include Spirit Hour at 6 p.m., with mixing and mingling and watching a movie about Mullins’ life. The program will begin at 7 p.m., and several people will share their memories of him.

The event is being hosted by the Class of 1988 – Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee, which has continued with many efforts over the years to preserve the memory of Russellville’s Mullins, who reached widespread notoriety after a bad tackle on the football field made him a quadriplegic.

Mullins’ story is legend. He was playing defensive back for Ole Miss when his tackle of Vanderbilt fullback Brad Gaines paralyzed Mullins from the neck down in October 1989. He lived until May 6, 1991.

“Chucky was very courageous,” said former classmate Deedra Moore, “and he always had that sweet smile, even when he was in pain.”

Local pastor, friend and classmate Derek Washington will be among those sharing memories.

“Chucky was someone everybody loved,” said Washington. “He was an excellent athlete and an even better person.”

Those wishing to attend are requested to RSVP by visiting tinyurl.com/CMS1988 or by contacting Moore at 256-412-5659 or Skye Hamilton at 256-398-0186.

Earlier that day, the Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee will present its second annual football camp at the RHS stadium. Special guests will include Jerrell Powe of Ole Miss, Jamarca Sanford of Ole Miss, Bo Scarbough of Alabama and Sammie Coates of Auburn. To learn more or register a child for the camp, visit www.cms1988.com/football-camp. Funds raised will support the Chucky Mullins Scholarship Fund.