Thomas "Tom" Pullen, Sr.

Mr. Thomas “Tom” Pullen, Sr., 83, of Dalton, passed away, Saturday, February 9, 2008 at his residence.
He was the son of the late, John Cleve and Willie Ivester Pullen and was preceded in
death by his brothers and sisters, Margaret Adcock, Horace Pullen, Annie Adams, Samuel Pullen, Joe-Nell Hester, James Pullen, Catherine Caylor and Leon Pullen.
Tom grew up on a family farm in Tifton. He heard the call of his country after Pearl Harbor and enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II in the European Theater.
Tom loved his family and his community. Tom loved sports, and he was an avid golfer in the past. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren thru the years participate in sports. When his children were young, he coached them in youth sports along with many other children in the community.
Tom was an agent for State Farm Insurance for 45 years and was one of the Charter Members of the Crystal Excellence Society, which was the highest award given by State Farm at that time. He was a former member of the Lions Club, member American Legion Post #112, VFW, Charter Member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Member of the Jaycees and was past president of Dalton Association of Life Underwriters.
Tom enjoyed working outdoors and had a green thumb. He loved selling insurance the most.
Tom especially loved his customers and said, " I have the best policyholders an agent can have." That caused him to work at his best to serve them.
Like a good neighbor, Tom was there for his church, family and community.
Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances Holsomback Pullen of the residence; children and spouse, Tom Pullen, Jr. of Dalton, John Pullen of Marietta, Patty and Richard Girdler, Jr. of Franklin, TN.; grandchildren, Richard “Tripp” Girdler, III, John Pullen Girdler both of Franklin, TN., Taylor Ann Pullen of Marietta; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Pullen and Allene Pullen; brother-in-law, G.W. Hester; sister-in-law, Mary H. Shelton; nieces and nephews.
Services will be Tuesday at 11 A.M. from the Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rhoda Howell, the Rev. Fred Johnson and the Rev. Hoyt Jenkins officiating.
Burial will follow in West Hill Cemetery with American Legion Post #112 having graveside rites.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Caylor, Von Caylor, Jr., Dale Pullen, Dennis Pullen, Sam Pullen, Jr. and Todd Pullen with his State Farm family serving as honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home Monday from 5 to 8 P.M.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 Veterans Dr., Dalton, Ga. 30721 or to one’s favorite charity.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton is in charge of arrangements.