Raymond “Doc” Hall Pullen, age 95, died Thursday, August 1, 2013 at his home in Water Valley, MS. He was born January 31, 1918 in Water Valley, MS to the late Robert Hall and Maude Irene Vaughn Pullen. In 1940, he married Vera Mae Wilbourn and moved to Paducah, Ky., where he worked for Illinois Central Railroad Company, before returning to Yalobusha County. Doc enlisted in the Navy and from 1943-45, he served at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, repairing ships and submarines. After returning home he worked for the U.S. Postal Service until retiring in 1983. He raised his family on the family farm in the Sylva Rena community of Yalobusha County and was known throughout the area for his produce. Doc also worked at the county cotton gin. He was gifted with animals and beloved by everyone who knew him, especially children. Doc was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need, he dearly loved his family and was affectionately known by his grandchildren and friends as “Daddy Doc” Pullen. He was a faithful member and supporter of Sylva Rena Baptist Church in Water Valley, a member of the VFW and a former member of the American Legion.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 3, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm in the Henry Chapel at Seven Oaks on Sunday, August 4, 2013 with Bro. James West and Dr. Paul Odom officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley, MS.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 72 years, Vera Mae Wilbourn Pullen of Water Valley, MS; two daughters, Linda Byars and Mary Cubelle Chandler both of Water Valley, MS; two sons, Paul Pullen (Sarah) of Coffeeville, MS and Raymond “Tinker” Pullen, Jr. of Walls, MS; one brother, Barney L. Pullen (Betty) of Water Valley, MS; nine grandchildren, Teresa Ohler (Jason), Andy Pullen, Dennis Pullen, Tom Byars (Rena), Leigh Byars Houston (Trent), Audrea Chandler, Robert “Bobby” Chandler (Michelle), Sheri Spencer (Cris) and Sandi Beason (Mark); thirteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Irene “Bootsie” Edwards; two brothers, Allen V. Pullen and John Chapman Pullen; and his granddaughter, Penny Pullen McKinney.