In 1929, 6-year-old Fred Mullis attended his first auction with his dad, Sampson Mullis. The derby hat, string bowtie and vest he saw an auctioneer wearing that day made such an impression that it would shape his life, family and vocation. He was sold on the spot, said younger brother Sherrill Mullis. A member of the National Auctioneer Hall of Fame, Fred Mullis – showman, salesman and master of the “cattle-rattle” auction chant – died Tuesday in Gaffney.