Richard Love Mulliner, son of Richard L. Mulliner and Ruth Anita Swartz, a devoted husband, father, grandfather ("Poppie"), veteran, and accomplished broadcast engineer, passed away leaving behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, and deep connection with those around him.

Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Richard grew up in California alongside his parents and sister, all of whom preceded him in death. From an early age, he carried a natural curiosity, quick wit, and outgoing spirit that would define his life and the many paths he followed.

Richard proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Special Forces from 1966 to 1973 during the Vietnam War. His service was marked by extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. He received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service, reflecting his courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to others.

Following his military service, Richard pursued training in radio and television technical engineering, launching a distinguished career in broadcast engineering and production. He spent decades in New York contributing his expertise to major networks, including 27 years with ABC/Disney, 9 years with WLNY, and 24 years with CBS, where he was chief engineer until his retirement. Outside of his work, Richard was especially proud of his son, Richard Mulliner Jr., PhD, whose accomplishments in the aviation industry—as a former air traffic controller and current pilot—brought him immense pride and joy.

His work took him across the globe, where he played a role in bringing some of the world's most significant moments into people's homes. Over the years, he traveled extensively, working on coverage of major elections, international sporting events, royal state dinners, and countless historic occasions. He was part of the team behind the 1984 Summer Olympics, earning a Sports Emmy Award, and also received a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on All My Children. He took great pride in being behind the scenes of events that shaped world history.

In retirement, Richard embraced a quieter but no less fulfilling chapter of life in Wallace, North Carolina, where he lived with his beloved wife, Louise. There, he found joy on the golf course and built a close-knit community at River Landing. True to his nature, he made friends everywhere he went—effortlessly connecting with people through his warmth, humor, and genuine interest in connecting with others. Richard happily spent summers afternoons catching fish and lizards, relishing in the joy of his grandchildren.

Richard had a gift for bringing people together. He loved a good toast and knew how to command a room with ease, whether through a well-timed story, a quick laugh, or a heartfelt word. He knew people from all walks of life and never met a stranger—only future friends.

Above all, Richard will be remembered as smart, funny, kind, and endlessly engaging. He always had a story to tell, and those stories—along with the laughter and connection they brought—will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Louise Mulliner; his son, Richard Mulliner Jr.; step-children, beloved nieces, his cherished grandchildren; and an extensive family and community of friends who will continue to celebrate his life and legacy.

His was a life well lived—full of service, adventure, friendship, and love—and he will be deeply missed.

A funeral mass will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Transfiguration of Jesus Catholic Church in Wallace, NC.

A Celebrarion of Life reception will follow the mass at 12:30 p.m. at River Landing Clubhouse, Wallace.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the Mulliner family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace, North Carolina