1982 The Iliad Newman Smith High School Carrollton, Dallas County, Texas Senior Class

 

OBITUARY David Neil Mullins March 27, 1964 - February 9, 2026 David Neil Mullins passed away with his family at his side on February 9, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. David was born on March 27, 1964, in Longview, Texas, to Rebecca (Becky) Banks and Larry Hilderbrand. Raised by Becky and William Newton Mullins, David grew up alongside his brother, Lance, and his sister, Lisa. From an early age, he was always protective of his siblings and helped care for them while his parents worked. When he was 10 years old, the Mullins family moved to Carrollton. David attended DeWitt Perry Middle School and Newman Smith High School, where he formed long-lasting friendships. After graduating from Newman Smith High School, David attended the University of Arkansas, where he briefly played baseball before transferring to Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) to play football under Coach Jim Wacker. It was there that he met Karen Lynn Marquardt, who lived in the same apartment complex. They married in Fredericksburg, Texas, on April 26, 1986, and were married for 29 years. David and Karen lived in Carrollton, where they enjoyed special times with high school and college friends. If he wasn’t watching sports, David was playing them, often in intense, competitive games of flag football and basketball with his buddies at First Baptist Church on Tuesday nights. During these years, David established himself as an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He was smart, competitive, and determined to build businesses he could be proud of. Over the years, he owned and operated North Dallas Irrigation, Texas Custom Window & Door Company, and Vision Video Security. David never wanted to confine himself to "working for the man." He wanted to build something of his own, and he worked through thick and thin to do it. In 1996, the family built a home in Coppell, where David loved the "one high school" community, which mattered deeply to him as he raised his children. His three children, Brandon, Ty, and Avery, were the pride of his life. David poured everything into them, from teaching them the nuances of fishing to supporting them in every sport and activity. He wanted nothing but the best for his children. He became a legendary Coppell youth football coach with a passion for connecting with young athletes and bringing out their best. His competitive nature helped secure many championships for both Brandon and Ty’s teams, and he was always proud of his players and the coaches around him. David also served on the board of the Coppell High School Boys Lacrosse Association, helping support and grow the program during its 3 state titles. The family cherished vacations to the Bahamas and Curaçao, as well as memorable trips to Vail, Baltimore, and Niagara Falls during the busy, happy years of competitive sports and lacrosse tournaments. David also had great success as a bass fisherman and spent weeks at a time traveling for FLW bass competitions. He loved to fish and hunt, and some of the funniest family moments came from sitting around the coffee table covered in newspaper, eating crab legs, and listening to him tell hunting and fishing stories. David was a very giving person who cared deeply that everyone around him had a good time. He would go to great lengths to plan and cook, from crawfish boils to Christmas parties, and he spared no expense. One of his favorites was hosting family and friends at Lake Fork for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Party, a weekend he made special for everyone. David is survived by his sons, Brandon (Devon) and Ty; his daughter, Avery; and their mother, Karen. He is also survived by his brother, Lance Mullins, his father, Larry (Jenifer) Hilderbrand, and his uncles, Jimmie and Richard Dickson, and his aunt, Crystal Sublette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Becky & Bill Mullins; his sister, Lisa Mullins; his grandparents, Ida Lou & Oliver Hilderbrand; and Tillie Dickson. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, 12:00pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home in Coppell, Texas. David was the rock of our family, and we will forever cherish him and the memories that shaped our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of David to Cancer Support Community North Texas.

Notes:

• In Memoriam - Newman Smith High School - Class of 1982
• Also attended Dewitt Perry Jr High
• www.FindAGrave.com  Memorial #293899333