William Frederick Mullis, whose love of fried shrimp prompted him to found an early ground breaking frozen food industry, died on December 16, 2001, his 87th birthday.

Starting in 1953 he created a multimillion dollar business, which would go to be the giant frozen food industry, Seeman Brothers, Inc. From his kitchen in 1953, he and his wife, Willene, created the company Trade Winds, which was located in Thunderbolt. With nationwide marketing, he introduced the first frozen breaded shrimp in the retail market place.

He further solidified his prominence in the industry by specializing in frozen hush puppies and onion rings. The products were marketed nationwide and carried by most of the large corporate food chains.

Mullis also owned and operated several highly regarded seafood restaurants throughout South Georgia. Featured in many of the nations most prominent magazines such as Fortune Magazine, and with marketing talents such as then famed baseball pitcher, Robin Roberts, Bill became a "shooting star" of the frozen food industry.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Frederick Mullis Jr. Survivors: his wife, Willene; children, Diane Herrin and Judy Farrell of Savannah and Margie Rogers of Washington, DC.; sister, Louise Gates of Ocala, FL; grandchildren, Brett Herrin, Mark Herrin, Julie Stoever, Scott Belford, Erin Belford, Leigh Farrell, Jeff Farrell, Kate Richards, Maggie Rogers and Williams Mullis III and five great-grandchildren.

Friends who would like to pay their respects and offer their condolences are asked to join the family on December 17 from 5:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Farrell, 7523 LaRoche Ave. Private Graveside

Service will be conducted for the family on Tuesday. Remembrances: *
Chatham County Humane Society, 7215 Sallie Mood Drive or Charity of donors choice. Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel
Send flowers to the funeral of William F. Mullis.

Source: Savannah Morning News

 December 17, 2001