A memorial reception will be held at the Jackson House in Moulton on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to honor the life of Hon. Randel (“Randy”) Hood Mullican, who passed away on November 26, 2023.
Randy was born on August 14, 1954, the eldest son of Randel and Julia Raye Mullican. He grew up in the Aldridge Grove community and spent many summers on his aunt and uncle’s farm in Mt. Hope. The family moved to Moulton where Randy attended Lawrence County High School (Class of 1972). His first job in high school was at the Moulton Advertiser. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama (Class of 1976) and earned his juris doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law (Class of 1979).
After graduating law school, Randy was asked by the then-District Attorney, Tim Littrell, to join the D.A.’s office as Lawrence County’s first Assistant District Attorney, beginning a lifelong career dedicated to public service.
In 1983, at the age of 28, Randy successfully ran for District Judge for Lawrence County. When he retired in 2009, after several election campaigns and 26 years on the bench, “Judge Mullican” was the fourth longest-serving district and juvenile court judge in Alabama. During his tenure, Judge Mullican and his treasured staff and coworkers used funds from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to establish the “Youth Engaged in Community Service” program, which became a model for similar juvenile programs. He served a term as president of the Alabama District Judges’ Association. As a jurist, Judge Mullican always strove to temper justice with mercy. He carefully considered every decision, but where he took the most care were cases in which the best interests of a minor child were at issue. He knew people, and he had a way of putting those who appeared before him at ease. He did his utmost to ensure each person who entered his courtroom, whether they were a party, an attorney, a witness, or a member of the public, left feeling like they had been listened to and were treated with fairness and dignity.
He had many interests and talents. He was a voracious reader, a music lover, a Parrot Head, a gifted cook and king of supper club, a raconteur, a traveler, a bird watcher, an Alabama fan, and a beloved father and grandfather.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Randel and Julia Raye; and his sister, Amy Robin Mullican.
He leaves behind three sons with whom he shares with Jane Goodman (Tod): Hood Mullican (Anna), John Mullican (Sunny), and Winn Mullican; sister, Millie Proctor (Jackie) and brother, Stacy Mullican (Alicia); step-mother, Joyce Mullican; grandson, Jasper (who named Randy “Papa-Moo”); aunts and uncles, Edith Welborn, Betty Howard (Avery), Doris Hood, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear, dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lawrence County Children’s Policy Council (make checks payable to: LC Children’s Policy Council, 14451 Market St, Suite 210, Moulton, AL 35650, or to Jimmy Buffett’s Singing for Change Foundation (make checks payable to: SFC Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 729, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482).
