Betty Elaine Mullinnix
07/21/1949 - 10/10/2019
Farewell My Love
On Thursday Oct 10 life as I know it changed forever. At 7:10 in the morning, my incredible wife Betty lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. She was diagnosed New Year’s Eve with Stage IV, which had already metastasized to her lungs. We traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville where she began her fight with an aggressive chemo and clinical trial drug program and was winning the battle through July. However, the very nature and adaptability of this viscous form of cancer stopped responding to treatment and launched another attack on her already weakened body. Even though the last months have been a living hell, She never gave up, never complained, never lost hope. The worst she said is “Well, I sure am in a pickle” (just like her mom used to say). Betty was the bravest person I have ever known. I always said Betty had “fire in her soul and grace in her heart”.
We shared a timeless love that few people could ever hope to find in their lifetime. She gave me the most remarkable 25 years that I could ever hope for. Truly, everyone who ever knew her or encountered her, came away a better person for it, especially me. Her nickname back in her hippie days, was “Sunshine” and I am witness to how she earned it. As I held her in my arms for the last time I felt a loss of my own soul as well and I know I will never be the same again. But I will try to live up to the legacy she gave to me, her son Michael, our business partner Steve and countless others who knew her.
Thursday morning, her sister Kay found a single white feather at the door of their hotel. I have to believe Betty has already found her wings. Our caretaker at our home in the Caribbean, told me that our dogs were sad, listless and crying that night and he didn’t know why until I told him in the morning, that our Betty was gone.
As I try to regain my balance and find a way to continue to move forward, I have decided that I will return to the team in which she was a partner and a significant factor in the incredible success that it has achieved. I feel, that is a way to honor her life’s work, and continue the legacy she left. I will always miss her, love her and cherish each day we had together.
I remember the words in a song by James Blunt, “Carry You Home”.
“As strong as you were
Tender you go,
I’m watching you breathing,
For the last time.
A song for your heart,
But when it is quiet,
I know what it means,
And I’ll carry you home.
I’ll carry you home”
God bless you Betty Mullinnix ….and tell them you always had the office in the corner with the windows.