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In the early morning hours of Thursday, September 16, Leonard “Boolie” Thurston Pulley, Sr., age 90, died peacefully at Vidant North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, NC. 

He was blessed to be surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Born April 19, 1931, in Roanoke Rapids, NC, he was the eldest child of the late Frank James Pulley and Eunice Rose Philenor Pulley (nee Crowder). 

He attended school in Roanoke Rapids and graduated from Seaboard High School in May of 1949. 

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He immediately joined the military as a private serving in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in December 1952. 

A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. 

Upon leaving the military, he studied at Chowan College in Murfreesboro, NC where he played on the golf team. He graduated from East Carolina College in 1958 with a degree in Accounting. After graduation, he worked at the General Accounting Office in Norfolk, VA for three years then joined the Immigration and Naturalization Service for the remainder of his career. 

It was while he was working in Norfolk that he met the love of his life. He married Sarah Jane Black at the Hillsboro Baptist Church in Crozet, VA on June 3, 1961. They moved to Atlee, VA where they began to raise their family. Eventually, they moved to Northern Virginia and raised their five children in Sterling Park, VA where they remained until 1986. During their time in Sterling, they involved themselves in their children’s lives, the church, and their friendships.

“Boolie” retired from the Federal Government in 1986 after 31 years of dedicated Government Service. 

He moved home – to Roanoke Rapids – with his wife and younger children. It was during the next several years that Leonard and Sarah were able to truly enjoy the fruits of their labor. They traveled extensively, taking many wonderful cruises, and traveling frequently to Branson and Dollywood. They loved good food and drink, watching the shows, and meeting the celebrities. They enjoyed quieter trips, as well, including those to Peaks of Otter and to the Outer Banks. For several years, the entire family, including grandchildren, would travel to Nags Head to celebrate Christmas together. 

“Boolie” was a hard-working man of integrity in both his professional and personal life. He was a great conversationalist—smart and full of great stories. 

He kept up with many of his old friends and co-workers. He seemed to know everyone in town and was always so friendly. 

His devotion to all things family was remarkable. He loved having family around and particularly enjoyed the yearly Crowder-Gray Family Reunion in August that was held for many years. He knew his family tree and could share all the most interesting details of the family history. Most importantly he loved with all his heart his children and his grandchildren. His devotion and love for his wife was always present—there was no one else he’d rather be with. 

“Boolie” is preceded in death by his parents, Frank James and Eunice Rose Pulley, a sister, Loretta Jean Pulley and his brother-in-law, Harold Shelburne. 

He is survived by his siblings Louise (Roy) Wilkins of Roanoke Rapids; Leora Shelburne of Pleasant Hill, NC, and Lofton (Cynthia “Tweet”) also of Pleasant Hill. 

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Sarah, and his five children: Leonard (Lesley) Pulley of Ashburn, VA; Elizabeth (Greg) Hess of Ashburn; Edward (Valerie) Pulley of Glen Allen, VA; Sarah (Mike) Stafira of Stafford, VA, and Rebecca (Robin) Vaughan of Raleigh, NC. In addition, he leaves behind his beloved grandchildren to honor him always: Danielle Renee Pulley of Winchester, VA; Leonard Thurston Pulley III of Charlotte, NC; John Roderick Pulley of Harrisonburg, VA; James (Jay) Bradley Pulley of Ashburn; Tyler Pulley Hess, Amanda Kathleen Hess, Kyle Gregory Hess and Samuel Robert Hess of Ashburn; Hannah Charlene Pulley and Megan Dawn Pulley of Glen Allen; Brooke Elizabeth Stafira and Ashley Ann Stafira of Stafford; Megan (Tyler) Hairston of Wake Forest, NC; and Christopher Vaughan of Raleigh. 

He leaves one great-granddaughter as well, Jamie Lynn Edwards of Winchester, VA and one great-grandson Ezekiel Vaughan Hairston of Wake Forest.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral & Cremation Services. Visitation will be Monday, September 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC.  Funeral service will be at 2:00 in the sanctuary with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating, followed by a brief graveside service with military honors. 

It is requested that all attending the service wear a face covering and practice social distancing. 

Donations may be made in his honor to Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870.