Carroll Mulkey West

Mulkey was a man of many talents, and throughout his life he wore many hats with quiet competence and dedication. Above all, his musical talent was the language his soul spoke fluently. Outside of family, he felt most at home at the piano or organ, or standing among fellow singers. Music was not something he simply did; it was how he gave thanks, comforted others, and expressed joy that words alone could never hold. Music was his offering—faithful, unassuming, and full of love—and he shared this gift generously, never for recognition, but simply to serve, to be useful, and to connect.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Mulkey grew up grounded in faith and curiosity. He graduated from Northside High School in 1973 and went on to earn a degree in Religion from LaGrange College in 1977, laying the foundation for a life shaped by service, reflection, and devotion.

Mulkey served at two beloved churches: University Heights United Methodist Church of Decatur, Georgia, from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s as organist and choir director, and Cannon United Methodist Church of Snellville, Georgia, where he served as organist and accompanist. He later returned to University Heights as a volunteer, serving as both organist and choir member.

He retired as a Senior Transmission Analyst after 35 years of dedicated service to the Georgia Power Company. His professional life reflected the same care, discipline, and integrity that defined every part of who he was. In all that he did, he was caring, thoughtful, and dependable.

Mulkey lived with a steady kindness that made people feel seen. His life was centered on faith, family, friendship, love, service, laughter, and a deep devotion to those he cherished. His unconditional love and quiet generosity were natural reflections of his faith, offered freely and without expectation. His faith guided his daily life and shaped the way he moved through the world. He lived by the words he held close from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

To Mulkey, heaven on earth was found at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. It was there that simple moments became sacred—helping the children learn to ride bikes, letting them practice driving, feeding the ducks, and taking leisurely walks around the lake. He delighted in the beauty of God’s world, enjoyed the many activities the community offered, and found space to play, to reflect, and to renew his spirit. Lake Junaluska was not just a place he loved; it was a place that restored him.

His greatest joy was his family—the spark that lit his days—whom he cherished deeply, and with whom he found his greatest happiness simply in being together.

Mulkey was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Palmer West.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janice, his partner in laughter and love; his son, Walter “Mac”; his daughter, Claire, and her husband, Romualdo “Tido”; and his beloved brother, Michael, and his husband, Glynn.

Mulkey embraced each season of life—the joyful moments, the challenging times, and everything in between. Although his hands are now still, and his voice is at rest, his music and spirit remain—in hymns remembered, in love shared, and in lives shaped by his kindness. His story continues through all of us, carried forward with strength, love, and purpose.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University Heights UMC Memorial Fund in Mulkey’s memory. To give by check, please make the check payable to University Heights UMC and write “Memorial Fund – West” in the memo line. For online giving, please visit the church website: uhumc.org.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at University Heights United Methodist Church, 1267 Balsam Drive, Decatur, Georgia. This gathering will be a time of gratitude, love, and remembrance, celebrating a life that touched many. Guests are invited to dress comfortably; black attire is not necessary, and lighter or brighter colors are welcome as a reflection of joy and hope. During the service, time will be set aside for those who feel moved to share favorite memories and reflections. A reception will follow the service.