Earl C Mullins, Jr. was born in 1953 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida but has lived most of his life in the greater Louisville, Kentucky area. He graduated from Portland Christian High School in Louisville in 1971.

Three years after graduation from high school, Earl married his high school sweet heart, Phyllis Montgomery, whom he met in the 1st grade at Portland Christian School. Earl and Phyllis have three naturally born sons, Phillip, Matthew and Michael, as well as a son, Kosuke Kato, whom though not formally adopted is nonetheless considered a part of their family. They have three wonderful daughter-in-laws and seven grandchildren.

In 1976 Earl graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. In 1983, Earl graduated from the University Brandies College of Law with a Juris Doctorate.