Robert Mullen Obituary

Robert Gordon Mullen, Jr, – also known as Robin, Bimo, Moon, Mr. Mullen, and Dad – passed away on September 4, 2025, in his home in Sheffield, Alabama, surrounded by his children and his wife of forty-two years.

Robert grew up on Montgomery Avenue and graduated from Sheffield High School before joining the Navy. While in the service, he met Suzanne; he brought her from Virginia to Alabama, where they were soon married and began their own family. He went on to become a graduate of Northwest Shoals, Athens State, and the University of North Alabama, eventually achieving his Ed.S. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Florence, where he taught Sunday school and sang with the men's group for many years.

He began his teaching career at Deshler High School, where he built hovercrafts and potato guns, announced the football games, and often played guitar in class. He brought the same energy to his tenure as vice principal at Sheffield High School, and eventually to his role as principal at Deshler Middle– "the best little middle school in America."

Robert served on the advisory committee and the board of directors at Valley Credit Union, accumulating twenty years of service. After his retirement, he volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul, Meals-on-Wheels, and Kiwanis of Sheffield. He was devoted to his mother and active in her care; he performed countless acts of kindness for members of the community.

Robert was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2020. There were many parts of his journey that were painful and demoralizing, but he remained a "prisoner of hope" throughout it all. He was able to travel, connect with friends and former students, and spend countless hours watching the Tennessee River from his side porch.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Aline and Bob, brother Wade, and brother-in-love Jim. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his children, Grace, Lindsey, Graham and Meagan; his sister, Alice and brother, Keith (Jill); his siblings-in-love Karen (Jeff), Angela (Tim), Ernest (Tammy), Louis (Jill), and Dana; a multitude of adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the many, many people who were lucky enough to call him their teacher, principal, mentor, or friend.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Marshall Schreeder and the staff at Clearview Cancer Institute for their exceptional care; our Tennessee River Dermatology family: Michael Webb, MD Joseph Hanson, MD, Brian Thomas, MD and the entire staff for their endless love and support; and to Affinity Hospice and our incredible nurses, Amanda and Katie.

Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Florence, AL with visitation on Monday, September 8th from 4:00 – 7:00 and a funeral mass on Tuesday, September 9th at 11:00.

"Forever could never be long enough for me to feel like I've had long enough with you."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation (https://russelhill.org/) which works to provide financial help to those in the north Alabama area who are undergoing cancer treatment.