“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Michael “Mike” Woodrow Mauldin, 81, of Walnut, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Funeral services honoring Mike’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Kenneth Drewery and Bro. Teddy Cornelius officiating. Mike Felton will deliver the eulogy. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will follow.
Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1944, in Stillwater, Minnesota, Mike was the son of the late Woodrow Mauldin and Gertrude Rhode Mauldin White. He graduated from Overton High School in Memphis and was a faithful member of Overton Hill Community Church.
Mike was a proud American who answered his nation’s call to serve during the Vietnam War. As a member of the United States Army Special Forces, the Green Berets, he served with courage, honor, and quiet strength. His love for his fellow veterans continued long after his military service through his involvement with the Tippah Tigers 868, where he faithfully served as both Commander and Adjutant. He was also a devoted member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Order of Stars and Bars of Mississippi.
While Mike’s military accomplishments were admirable, those who knew him best will remember the man behind the medals. He was steady, dependable, and humble—a man who would gladly help anyone in need without ever seeking recognition. If Mike called you a friend, you had a friend for life.
He found joy in the simple things. He took great pride in keeping his yard beautiful, loved spending time with his faithful dog, Max, and cherished every moment with his grandchildren. Whether cheering on the Memphis Tigers, rooting for the Atlanta Braves, or keeping up with the daily news, Mike enjoyed life and the people around him. Through every challenge, he remained calm, kind-hearted, and strong—a reassuring presence to those he loved.
Above all else, Mike was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose quiet acts of love and sacrifice spoke louder than words ever could.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of twenty-six years and the love of his life, Pam Mauldin; his sons, Billy Mauldin (Erica) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Danny Nelson (Katie) of Walnut; his treasured grandchildren, Noah, Luke, and Emily Mauldin, and Ella and Shaden Nelson; and his sister, Judy Proctor of Memphis, Tennessee.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by those who welcomed him home to eternal peace.
Serving as pallbearers will be Noah Mauldin, Luke Mauldin, Shaden Nelson, Bobby McCommon, Sammy Mardis, and Jim Daniels.
Honorary pallbearers include Rick Adair, Billy Adair, Lynn Sipes, Tommy Rainey, Neil Heavener, Joey Hedge, Mike Felton, Bill Baker, Mike Bennett, Stanley Manning, and all members of the Tippah Tigers.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Gideons International or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Mike’s memory.
A true patriot, devoted family man, loyal friend, and gentle soul, Mike leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories and condolences with the Mauldin family.
