Private MEMORIAL service for
JOSEPH LATIMER MULLINAX III
in Hendersonville, NC
Aug. 19, 2006 | 42 Amity Ct. “Davis Tree House”

“Lattie” the third generation to be given this name made his entrance into this world on December 2 1954 in Takoma Park, Md. He was an instant hit with the Mullinax family and remained so through the years. He was the son of Joseph Latimer Mullinax Jr. and Wilma Hardin. His paternal grandparents were J. L. M. Sr. and Minnie Veronica Hawkins Mullinax. The maternal grandparents were Hal David and Eunice League Hardin of Greenville. He is a direct descendant of Solomon Jones the road maker of South Carolina and North Carolina.

“Lattie” first married Jean Lipscomb of Greenville in 1980. To that union was born a baby son named “Joey” on October 6, 1981 thus carrying on the Mullinax name, becoming Joseph Latimer Mullinax, IV.

Lattie was very fond of his grandparents. When his baby was born in the same hospital at the time his grandmother Mullinax was hospitalized with congestive heart failure, he could hardly wait to cheer her up with his surprise. “Lattie” tenderly wrapped his new baby in a warm blanket and rushed down the hall to her room, placing it in her arms for a few moments. The joy in that room was a sight to behold. “Lattie” was always thinking of the happiness of others. 

After Lattie”s divorce from Jean, he married Christine Ostapeck of Charleston, on Mar. 25, 1989. The ceremony took place on his father’s yacht the Windrose at Buzzards Roost Marina in Charleston. Christine is the daughter of Nicholas and Grace “Dosie” Ostapeck. Joy filled Lattie’s heart when he was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. They named her Rebecca Elizabeth, who was born nine days after her Dad’s birthday, Dec, 11, 1992. For many years Lattie operated his own construction company in Edisto Beach, SC and was in great demand due to the perfection in every detail of the homes he built.

With his father’s help, he established his home on the Dawhoo River. During the process of buying the property, they noticed a 3+ acre property across from the property Lattie was buying which was also for sale. Lattie encouraged his Dad to buy it and when they were walking the property and noticed a writing spider had written what looked like “Mullinax” on its web, the decision was made to do so. They worked together in the effort and found much joy in being neighbors. They named the property “Dawhoo Haven” after “Pine Haven” which was the name of Lattie’s grandfather’s mountain property near Biltmore, NC. “Lattie” built a nice gazebo over the marsh for his Father and later built a ¾ acre fish pond on this Dad’s property which his Dad stocked with fish for Lattie’s enjoyment. He found much joy with his Dad nearby. “Lattie” also found time to help his mother when she needed help with her home during the flood season, in Greenville, SC. In the years that “Lattie” was in our family I don’t ever remember seeing a frown on his face, but plenty of smiles were evident. He had enough love in his heart for all of us.

“Lattie” possessed a sweet gentle personality and was loved by everyone. His sisters were not only devoted, but adored him. They were Veronica Ann Willard, Margaret Mullinax, Kathy Hill and Teresa Lawrence.

Lattie was probably in failing health for some time. He died suddenly on Aug 13, 2006. Our hearts are broken. He will be missed greatly. There will also be a large void in the lives of his cousins who claimed him as a brother. No one could ever replace “Lattie” in our hearts. There was only one “Lattie”. There will never be another like him.

“And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, no crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things shall pass away” Rev.21, 4

Aunt Mary Sue Mullinax Davis