David H. Mullins of Upperville, Va. passed away peacefully on March 17th in hospice surrounded by his family. He battled cancer bravely and without complaint for 8 years. At age 68, Dave ran a marathon to give cancer a run for its money and never allowed it to change his positive outlook on life. In true Irish style, he left this world on St. Patrick's Day forever giving us a reason to raise our glass.

Dave leaves behind the love of his life, Joyce, to whom he was married for over 50 years. He is survived by his four children, son Richard L. Mullins and his wife, Lissa of Upperville, Va., daughter Robyn R. Lutz and her husband Ronald Jason Lutz of Front Royal, Va., daughter Diana J. Tweedie and her husband Thomas of Bethlehem, Pa., son David H. Mullins II and his wife Lisa of Moraga, Ca. and his five grandchildren, Tarrah Lashbrook, Ashleigh Tweedie, Brandon Tweedie, Finnegan Mullins, Lola Mullins and one great grandson, James. Dave also leaves behind two brothers, Larry Mitko and George Mitko and two sisters Gayle Pritchett and Debbie Lonick. His younger brothers Ron Mitko and Charles Mullins predeceased him. In addition, he will be deeply missed by his many close friends and community.

Born 1940 in Shelby Gap, Ky., Dave was the son of Pearl and Odell Mullins. Having the freedom to explore on his own, he continued that exploration throughout his life traveling extensively for business and with his family. Innately curious, he enjoyed acquiring knowledge of many subjects through study, reading and first hand experience.

Dave graduated from high school in Dayton, Ohio where he was captain of his football team.

Shortly thereafter, he had his greatest fortune, meeting his beloved wife Joyce at Beerman's, the local department store where they both worked.

Dave graduated from General Motors Institute with a degree in Engineering. He later earned his MBA from Drexel University and studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dave eagerly took on new opportunities and wore many hats. He was president of his college's welding club, a Sunday School teacher, an electrical engineer and a small business owner. Dave began his management career at Westinghouse and rose to President/CEO of Argo Tech, Inc., a major defense contractor to the U.S. Navy. Later he became CEO and partner of Dynamic Engineering Inc., Newport News, Va., and Ni-Tech, Inc., Ledgewood, N.J. By the time he retired, he and Joyce were able to build their dream home in Upperville, Va.

Dave was known by everyone for his larger than life presence. He was a highly skilled storyteller and could keep you in stitches. He could command a room in serious matters or host, in full costume, at one of their many themed parties. Dave was an avid golfer and car enthusiast, even racing his favorite Ferrari. He started his own automotive retail business, Exotic Motorcar Accessories, Inc. and was able to collect many of the cars that he admired. More recently, Dave and Joyce started a tradition of an annual auto show to share in their love of cars with friends as well as to contribute to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, of which they are active supporters.