Joseph F. Mullins Jr.


Joseph Francis Mullins Jr. was a three-term mayor of Melbourne, Florida from 1986 to 1996. He previously served on the Melbourne City Council from the 3rd District from 1977 to 1986, including as vice mayor in 1978.

Early life

At 17, he was a Civil Air Patrol student pilot in Chicago. However he was not accepted as a military pilot for World War II. He became a United States Marine Corps supply officer.
He was a captain for 22 years, and deputy supply chief at Parris Island, South Carolina.
He retired from the Marines on December 31, 1966, the same day he and his wife left on their honeymoon to the Florida Keys.
During the same trip, he made a stop at Harris Corporation in Palm Bay, because a friend had informed him that there was an opening for a logistics manager. About a month later, he got the job and was living in Melbourne.

Political career

In 1977, he quit his job at Harris to devote his full attention to his city council responsibilities. He served on the Melbourne City Council from the 3rd District from 1977 to 1986, including as vice mayor in 1978. He served three terms as mayor from 1986 to 1996.

Associations