William Lee "Bill" Mcmullen Obituary (1946 - 2018)

William Lee "Bill" McMullen, 71, Harrisonburg passed away November 1, 2018 after a courageous and well fought battle with Kidney disease and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for the past ten years. He was born on November 5, 1946 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Charles Lee, Jr. and Irene Lambert McMullen and the grandson of the late Charles Lee Sr. and Ollie Christina Shiflett McMullen and Samuel Glen and Vivian Wagner Lambert. He graduated from Turner Ashby High School in 1965 and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1966. He later attended Dunsmore Business College and he served in the Virginia Army National Guard. Bill was a fourth generation funeral director at McMullen Funeral Home and served many families with his calm and compassionate demeanor for over 50 years. He oversaw construction of two funeral home locations and did the majority of the excavation himself with his own loader and dump truck. Bill was a lifelong avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and time spent at the family cabin. In 1992, he and his wife purchased and together restored the farm adjoining their property where he raised crops and beef cattle for many years. Six years ago, they built their dream home on their farm. He was an associate member of the Singers Glen Fire Department and Greenmount Church of the Brethren. He was a trustee of the Greenmount Cemetery for many years. He was happiest when his family and friends were together, including his beloved work family, who shared daily meals together. On April 28, 1973, he married his soulmate the former Brenda Lou Morris who survives. Their love, support and commitment towards each other never wavered over the 45 years of marriage they were blessed to create. As a faithful wife, she lovingly cared for Bill without hesitation over these last several years. From an early age, it was evident that Bill and Brenda devoted their lives to each other and raising their two daughters. They were each other's greatest confidant as they served and cared for their community together. Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Andrea Lynn Strawderman and husband Craig, Amber Faith McIntyre and husband Jay, two cherished granddaughters, Natalee Christina and Casadee Alynn Strawderman, his granddogs, Josie, Isabelle, Chipper and Maddux, loyal friends, Craig Mitchell and wife Kimberly, Steve Cowger and wife Susan, Bob Shiflett and wife Elaine, and a large extended family of very special brothers and sisters-in-law, aunt, uncle and cousins. Pastor Gary Shull and Wendell "Sonny" Henkel will conduct a memorial service at Greenmount Church of the Brethren on November 4, 2018 at 3 p.m. Burial will be private with Pastor Wayne Wright officiating. Those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guestbook may do so by visiting the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018. In honor of Bill's life of service, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Singers Glen Fire Department, P.O. Box 373, Singers Glen, VA 22850 and Singers Glen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 75, Singers Glen, VA, 22850. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.