• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Scholarship committee keeps Chucky Mullins’ memory alive with annual events
    Children enjoy the annual football youth camp March 25.
    News, Russellville, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
     By  María Camp Published 
    12:35 am Tuesday, April 4, 2023

    Scholarship committee keeps Chucky Mullins’ memory alive with annual events

  • Members of Chucky Mullins’ high school class, the RHS Class of 1988, gather Saturday night to share remembrances and how they’ve been inspired by Mullins.

  • Among the professional athletes who attended the weekend events were Sammie Coates, Christion Jones and Terrence Cody.

  • A number of individuals participate in this year’s Special Olympics Pro Bowl.

  • Classmates of Chucky Mullins hold a photo of him: Sabrina Bailey, Karen Hill, Deedra Moore, Tracy Berry, Brenda Freeman, Rosell Christian and Derek Washington.

  • RMS principal Tony Bonds, also a former Ole Miss football player, speaks at the remembrance evening.

  • Brad Gaines, the Vanderbilt player in the tackle where Mullins was injured, speaks about Chucky Mullins, sharing the meaning his legacy has for him.

  • A number of volunteers help with this year’s Special Olympics Pro Bowl in the RMS gym.

  • Children enjoy the annual football youth camp March 25.

  • Children enjoy the annual football youth camp March 25.

  • Jerry Groce speaks at the remembrance evening.

  • The annual fundraising golf tournament helps raise scholarship funds. Participants included (from left) Michael Mills, Larry Smith, Scott Mills, Shannon Smith, Derek Washington and Terry Prince.

  • Trea Southerland, Mullins’ college roommate, speaks about the impact Chucky has had on his life.

  • 🞬
    ❮❯

    “Never quit.”

    That’s the motto adopted by Russellville native, football legend Roy Lee “Chucky” Mullins after he was injured while playing defensive back for Ole Miss.

    Mullins is celebrated not only for his love and skill for playing football but also for his highly positive and encouraging attitude, as well as the great love and compassion he displayed for others, even after his injury.

    His “Never quit” motto is also one his classmates and many others have wholeheartedly embraced over the years, both in their own lives and in their dedication TO remembering, honoring and spreading knowledge of his life.
    Friends and supporters continue to work to honor and preserve his memory and legacy while striving to inspire new generations, holding events in his memory each year.

    Now nearly 32 years since Mullins’ passing, his legacy continues to grow. March 24-25, the Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee – made of members of Mullins’ class, the Russellville High School Class of 1988 – presented two days of activities in his honor, including a silent auction on the group’s Facebook page.

    The committee hosted its 12th annual golf tournament at Twin Pines Country Club Friday and its third annual youth football camp Saturday at the RHS football stadium, as well as the second annual Special Olympics Pro Bowl at the RMS gym – and idea from Mullins’ classmate Rosell Christian.

    Funds raised from the activities support scholarships in Mullins’ memory.

    “Our legacy is to pass this down to our children so they can make sure it continues to grow,” explained Christian. “We do this to celebrate someone we all loved, but we also want to continue to make sure that everybody, especially the younger students that come along, understand how important Chucky has been to each one of us.”

    Another classmate, Derek Washington, said it’s always a special time of getting together.

    “Our class has always been a close-knit class that’s been there for each other, and part of that is because of the legacy of Chucky and doing the fundraisers,” explained Washington, who said he thinks Mullins is “looking down from Heaven and smiling about us coming together and rallying around his memory and legacy.”

    “I think Chucky would be really pleased with the fact that his life has brought his classmates so close together, as well as to see how the community always rallies around this event, and the recipients that get to enjoy some financial help from the scholarships which this event brings,” he added.

    More than 80 children participated in the football camp, and 16 participants plus 20 volunteers took part in the Special Olympics event. Eighteen teams participated in the golf tournament.

    YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP

    Russellville City Schools fifth- and sixth-grade head football coach Chris Boatwright estimated the youth football camp participation was more than double the 2022 amount.

    “I’m glad to help facilitate this and keep the legacy for Chucky Mullins going,” he said. “I didn’t know Chucky, but I’ve been inspired by the Class of 1988 through the work they do each year to preserve his legacy.”

    Daniel Thomas, an Auburn alum who plays in the NFL for the Jackson Jacks, said he was proud to be one of several pro football players to help with this year’s activities.

    “I love it,” Thomas said. “The most important thing is being able to get back and be with the kids – to encourage and motivate them, to let them know they can do whatever they want to do.”

    Other professional athletes who attended the weekend’s events included Dexter McCluster of Ole Miss and Terrence Metcalf of Ole Miss.

    SPECIAL OLYMPICS PRO BOWL

    “It means a lot to be able to give back in this way, and I enjoy this event every year,” said Sammie Coates, who played in the NFL for four and a half years. “It’s always rewarding, and those participating have a great time. That means more to me than anything – to see them smile and have fun and be free.”

    Event coordinator Carly Hellums said the event is a meaningful one to be part of – one she notes grew from the past year, with fun, games and friendly competition being key components.

    “I hope this continues to grow,” she said. “The individuals participating love it, and the players love it. It’s open to the tri-county area, and we had about 16 participants plus 20 volunteers this year.”

    One of the many volunteers, Jerry Groce, an employee of Northwest Alabama Easter Seals – an organization that helps people with disabilities achieve their maximum potential – and a member of the Russellville City Schools Board of Education, said it’s an event close to his heart.

    “We appreciate how much so many in the community do in order to help us bring this together, as well as the athletes who are willing to come in and donate their time to make this happen,” he said. “It’s a wonderful event.”

    AN EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE

    Saturday evening friends and supporters gathered upstairs in the RHS field house to share their memories, as well as how they’re inspired by Mullins’ legacy. After that they gathered on the balcony to watch the movie about his life, “Undefeated: The Chucky Mullins Story,” shown on the stadium screen.

    Christian and Tom Ray gave the welcoming remarks, explaining “our why” for the class working so hard on the remembrance events. Nancy Brockway, Tracy Berry and Karen Hill recognized donors. Groce and RMS Principal Tony Bonds spoke about the school and community impact. Brad Gaines, Trea Southerland – Mullins’ college roommate – and Dexter McCluster spoke about legacy and friendship and introduced the movie.

    Bonds explained the impact Mullins’ story has had on his life – though Bonds never met Mullins. They both hail from Russellville, and both played football at Ole Miss.

    “We try to make sure every kid at the school sees the movie about Chucky because I think it’s important,” Bonds said, “– the story of an everyday Russellville kid who was able to succeed and fight those levels of adversity along the way and still come out smiling on the other end and still be a decent human being.”

    Chucky was “bigger than himself,” said Ray, one of Mullins’ classmates, “and that’s what the Class of ’88 and anybody that came in contact with Chucky realized. He wanted to make an impact on more people than just himself. It’s amazing to me to watch his enduring legacy.”

    Ray said he wants to walk his life undefeated – in reference to the film about Mullins’ life.

    “I am not going to be defeated. I encourage all of us to keep living undefeated and keep this going,” Ray said. “We’re doing more through this than than we probably really realize, and I just want to keep encouraging and doing whatever we can to continue that legacy.

    “I think Chucky would be really, really proud of the impact we’re making in the community.”

    For more information, visit www.cms1988.com.

    Also on Franklin County Times
    PHOTO GALLERY: Jam at Sloss Lake
    Franklin County, Galleries, Lifestyles
    PHOTO GALLERY: Jam at Sloss Lake
    Griffin Traylor 
    July 9, 2025
    Auditor says city’s financial health is very good
    Main, News, Russellville, ...
    Auditor says city’s financial health is very good
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 9, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE -- The city has received what its auditor called a “clean opinion” on its fiscal year 2024 audit, meaning no significant deficiencies or ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Place of Grace opens recovery home in Franklin County
    Franklin County, Main, News, ...
    Place of Grace opens recovery home in Franklin County
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 9, 2025
    The Place of Grace has opened a new recovery home in Franklin County, offering women a structured, faith-based environment to continue their journey a...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Hamilton: Title II funding freeze is a concern
    Main, News, Russellville, ...
    Hamilton: Title II funding freeze is a concern
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    July 9, 2025
    R U S S E L L V I L L E – Franklin County Superintendent Greg Hamilton is concerned about the status of more than $6 billion in federal education gran...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Fire Department receives new $2.2M platform truck
    Main, News, Russellville, ...
    Fire Department receives new $2.2M platform truck
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 9, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Firefighters and city officials showed off the Fire Department’s new $2.2 million 100-foot platform fire truck in a safety demonstration ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Palmer certified for fourth term on Russellville Council
    News, Russellville, Z - News Main
    Palmer certified for fourth term on Russellville Council
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 9, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE – The city council approved a certificate of election stating Councilman David Palmer was the only candidate to qualify for Council Distr...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Summer camps nurture faith, friendship and growth
    Columnists, Opinion
    HERE AND NOW
    Summer camps nurture faith, friendship and growth
    July 9, 2025
    Susie Hovater Malone Columnist During the summer many Franklin County youths enjoy attending summer camps, where they engage in hiking, swimming, spor...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    The prosperity we enjoy depends on Sea Lanes of Communication
    Columnists, Opinion
    The prosperity we enjoy depends on Sea Lanes of Communication
    July 9, 2025
    The Pax Americana, the period since World War II when there have been no major world wars, has led to the greatest period of freedom the world has eve...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    PHOTO GALLERY: Jam at Sloss Lake
    PHOTO GALLERY: Jam at Sloss Lake
    July 9, 2025
    Auditor says city’s financial health is very good
    Auditor says city’s financial health is very good
    RUSSELLVILLE -- The city has received what its auditor called a “clean opinion” on its fiscal year 2024 audit, meaning no significant deficiencies or ...
    July 9, 2025
    Place of Grace opens recovery home in Franklin County
    Place of Grace opens recovery home in Franklin County
    The Place of Grace has opened a new recovery home in Franklin County, offering women a structured, faith-based environment to continue their journey a...
    July 9, 2025
    Hamilton: Title II funding freeze is a concern
    Hamilton: Title II funding freeze is a concern
    R U S S E L L V I L L E – Franklin County Superintendent Greg Hamilton is concerned about the status of more than $6 billion in federal education gran...
    July 9, 2025
    Fire Department receives new $2.2M platform truck
    Fire Department receives new $2.2M platform truck
    RUSSELLVILLE Firefighters and city officials showed off the Fire Department’s new $2.2 million 100-foot platform fire truck in a safety demonstration ...
    July 9, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Municipal elections: Let your voice be heard on Aug. 26
    Qualifying for municipal races across the state, including Franklin County, closed on June 24 leaving several contested races leading up to the Aug. 2...
    July 9, 2025
    TVA surcharge to raise August bills for customers
    RUSSELLVILLE Electricity customers should expect higher bills in August as TVA passes along a surcharge driven by high summer demand and a recent outa...
    July 9, 2025
    Hutcheson participates in CCHS program
    Hutcheson participates in CCHS program
    PHIL CAMPBELL — Rising Phil Campbell High School senior Hudson Hutcheson spent most of his summer at the University of Alabama. An aspiring dentist, h...
    July 9, 2025
    Being struck by lightning was ‘shocking experience’
    Being struck by lightning was ‘shocking experience’
    RUSSELLVILLE — Lisa Henderson was lying on her bed, scrolling through social media sites on her phone and enjoying a cozy, rainy Sunday afternoon with...
    July 9, 2025
    Jeffreys named new head football coach at Red Bay
    Jeffreys named new head football coach at Red Bay
    RED BAY -- Tyler Jeffreys has been named the new head coach at Red Bay High School. Jeffreys is stepping in to replace Heath Childers, who recently re...
    July 9, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Jeffreys named new head football coach at Red Bay
    Jeffreys named new head football coach at Red Bay
    RED BAY -- Tyler Jeffreys has been named the new head coach at Red Bay High School. Jeffreys is stepping in to replace Heath Childers, who recently re...
    July 9, 2025
    Hamilton to play baseball at Blue Mountain College
    Hamilton to play baseball at Blue Mountain College
    RED BAY -- Red Bay High School’s Reed Hamilton has officially signed a scholarship to continue his education and baseball career at Blue Mountain Coll...
    July 9, 2025
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    July 2, 2025
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    July 2, 2025
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A young generation of golfers teed off this summer at Twin Pines Country Club, thanks to a local effort to create opportunities for ch...
    July 2, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times