He had lived in Boston since retiring 17 years ago and leaves his wife of 56 years Marjorie, son Philip and sisters Sheila Martin and Enid Parish.

Mr Mullis worked for 28 years at Berrys Springs in West Bromwich and 18 months as a buyer in a steel firm before being a shop proprietor in Birmingham for 20 years.

He loved football, cycling, cricket, fishing, trains (steam or model railways), shooting, and was a football referee in the Birmingham Sunday League.

The funeral at Boston Crematorium was conducted by the Rev Julie Doddrell.

Chief family mourners were: Marjorie (wife), Philip and Jen (son and daughter-in-law), Sheila Martin and Enid Parish (sisters), Bill and Margaret Hawkes (brother-in-law and wife), Susan and David Pugh (niece and husband), Christina and Neil Taylor, Scot and Sean (niece and husband and sons), Jacqueline and Anthony DeVito, David and Catherine (niece and husband and children), David and Louise Moore, Sam and Louise (nephew and wife and children), David and Julie Martin, Marie-Claire and Michelle (nephew and wife and daughters).

Arrangements by Carr Funeral Service.