James David Mulkey's Obituary
James David Mulkey, born January 31, 1949 to Helen Mulkey (née Shipley) and J.D. Mulkey, grew up in East Ridge, Tennessee, attending Spring Creek Elementary and East Ridge Junior and High Schools before graduating in 1967. David obtained the rank of Eagle Scout while a member of Boy Scout Troop 119 at Spring Creek Baptist Church. After high school, he worked for a brief time at Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant (TNT) before joining the US Army. He was selected to the US Army Special Forces, sent to Fort Bragg for training, and to Washington D.C. for language school. He became a paratrooper, a combat engineer, and a Green Beret and served in the Panama Canal Zone. After leaving the Army Special Forces, he returned to the Chattanooga area where he met his wife, Angel (née McNabb), and worked as an electrician. He spent decades working for TVA at Widows Creek Steam Plant in Bridgeport, Alabama, and was a member of IBEW Local 721. He might tell you that he was a decent mechanic, a serviceable carpenter, and an okay plumber, but a terrible welder. He was a champion for the underdog and worked to support local schools, the Special Olympics, and Christmas charities. He retired to his home in Lim Rock, Alabama. For his whole life, David loved the outdoors (especially fishing, arrowhead hunting, and gardening), plants, and animals. He loved a good story and history. He was both incredibly smart and deviously clever. He was strong in his opinions. He is preceded in death by his parents and many deeply beloved pets. He is survived by his wife Angel, son Jeremy Mulkey, daughter Amanda Mulkey (Patrick Frantom), sister Jane Swallows, brother Bob Mulkey, and his grandchildren, Jessica Mulkey, Sophie Mulkey, and Evan Frantom. He lived his life as he wished. He passed away from this existence on January 4, 2026.
A Memorial Visitation will be held this coming Saturday from 3-7 PM at Rudder Funeral Home Scottsboro.
You may leave online condolences at https://www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
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