Gerald R. Pulley Sr., 89, of Galesburg, passed away at 5:50 a.m. Sunday, August 14, 2022, in OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.
He was born January 7, 1933, in Galesburg. He was the son of Glenn Pulley and Ola Mae Easley. He married Mary C. Levey, Katie Mae Eggelston and later Betty Furness who preceded him in death on July 6, 2021.
He is survived by his children, Glen (Ann Marie) Pulley, Donald Edward Wade, Linda Pulley, Virgil Gingery, Michele Pulley, Barbara Hicks, Sonya Pulley, Gerald (Eden) Pulley Jr., Tondesha Walton, Damien Walton, and Aaron Wesley; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Siblings include: Joyce Smith, Phyllis Pulley, Rachel Ross, Sandra (Richard) Taylor, Raymond Young, and Albert Still. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Robert Pulley and Phillip Mays; a brother, James Pulley; and two infant brothers.
Gerald was known for his strong work ethic which began at a young age. As a child during the depression, he straightened bent nails; then was employed at Purington Brick Yards working various jobs and learned how to drive a truck. He then worked for the CB&Q Railroad, then a welder at Butler Manufacturing. While working at D & D Imports, he was trained to be a mechanic where he discovered his life’s passion – all things engines! He was always curious about the mechanics of an engine and enjoyed repairing them! He went on to work at the John Deere Foundry, and Iowa Malleable. One of his proudest accomplishments was the start up of his semi-trucking company!
Gerald was known for his no non-sense personality, dependability and humor! In his early years he liked flying planes and hunting.
Visitation and Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, August 22, 2022 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel with the Rev. Tyson Parks III officiating. Visitation will be from 11 to 11:50 a.m. Funeral services will immediately follow from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Those wishing to attend the funeral “virtually” may watch the live broadcast at noon Monday on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
