Michael R. Mullican

Michael Ray Mullican, 73, of Laytonsville, MD, husband to Charlotte, passed away on November 14, 2020, after battling a long illness. Michael was born in Bethesda, MD to parents Milton Ray and Elizabeth Mullican and had two younger siblings: sister, Marianne Aitchesen, and brother, Byron (Susan) of Statesboro, GA. He was the father of two sons, Keith (Debby), Brett (Cindy), and two stepdaughters, Heather Skrivanek (Aaron), and Sarah Finn (Brian). He is survived by nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved. He is predeceased by his mother, sister, and son, Keith.

Michael graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD in 1965. He was part of a close and lasting group of friends, many of whom have continued to visit Michael and regularly write to him throughout these last several years.

Michael entered the military and in 1967-1968 served in Vietnam as a 101st Airborne paratrooper. During his time in country, he received a number of awards to include two Bronze Stars (one with V device), two Purple Hearts, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.  As an 101st Airborne paratrooper, Michael became part of an elite group of fighting men who, to this day, maintain their amazing brotherhood through frequent contact and annual reunions. He was especially close to two of these men, Lewis “Harper” Oswald of Lancaster, PA, and Gary “Flint” Purcell of Inverness, Fl. Without question, Harper and Flint were Michael’s brothers in life, even becoming very close to the family and supporting him unceasingly through his long illness. In addition, these three men began a tradition of annually visiting “the Wall” every February 19th to honor the men who died together that day in 1968 during an especially deadly battle. Now, many of the men who served together in the entire 3rd Battalion, 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Band of Brothers) come annually to honor their fallen brothers.

After Vietnam, Michael received an education in construction management and worked as a Senior Project Manager for various construction companies across the Washington, DC area. He managed many large building projects to include multi-story office buildings, shopping centers, and housing developments. For many years after his retirement in 2008, his skill as a manager was sought by head-hunters hoping to hire him for a variety of new construction projects.

Michael was passionate about sports. In high school, he was nicknamed “Cycle” as he would simply move on and play the next sport no matter what it was. He was extremely dedicated to his favorite teams - the Washington Redskins, Nationals, and Capitals. One of his greatest passions was running. He would get up very early and run at least 5 miles a day and 10 on Saturdays for over 35 years.

Michael married his wife, Charlotte (his Pookie), in 1992. He raised and dearly loved his sons, coaching their football, basketball, and baseball teams. He also enjoyed being a teacher and a mentor to their friends. He took to being a stepfather to the girls like it was the most natural event in the world. He loved, supported, and protected them as he would his own daughters.

Michael will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  He was fun, silly, steady, strong, spiritual, protective, loving, a workaholic, and a faithful husband, father, and friend.  Many of those he liked received one of his world-famous nicknames.  He was also known for always being impeccably dressed and was a pro at starching and ironing his clothes while watching sports on Sunday nights.  He loved being at the beach, picking crabs, the holidays, working in the yard, and being with his kids.  He also took great pride in the home he and Charlotte built in 2005 and loved just being – at home. 

The family would like to recognize and thank the incredibly dedicated and amazing nursing staff of the Martinsburg VA Medical Center Community Living Center in West Virginia. They provided a safe, loving, and honorable environment for Michael, and always welcomed Charlotte with equal warmth and care.

Due to the Covid pandemic restrictions, there will not be a service at this time.  Michael will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in 2021 when it is safe for travel and congregation.  If you are interested in being notified when the service will take place, please write to the following email address so you can be apprised of the final arrangements – mullicanarrangements@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Michaels favorite organizations:

Task Force 3/506 Flower Fund (this is a fund that places Memorial Day flowers on all the graves of those killed in action from Michael’s battalion.) Checks should be made out to TF 3/506th Inf Assn (write flower fund on the memo line), and mail to:

TF 3/506th Abn Inf Assn

1608 Birch Tree Ln

Saint Germain, WI  54558

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

1235 South Clark St

Suite 910

Arlington, VA  22202

Online condolences may be shared with the family through our website at www.molesworthwilliams.com

Helpful Tips: Do to COVID-19

(WE WILL NOT FORWARD ANY CARDS, LETTERS OR FLOWERS TO FAMILIES) We do not and will not give out family addresses so please do not ask.

Thank You

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael R. Mullican, please visit our floral store.