Harold W. "Red" Pullins Obituary (1924 - 2015)

Dec. 10, 1924 a Red-headed Irish boy was born into a poor family, to Laurinda Melinda (Scott) Pullins and Charles W. Pullins, a veteran whom fought in the Spanish American War. Thank goodness for that military severance of $25 a month pay, and a loving Grandmother that helped raise 10 children in a one room house near Wann, OK. This ornery Red head left home at the age of 14 never to return again as a child. Soon after that he found his first Love, boxing. His trainers wife said she had never laughed so hard in her life as she did during this boys first fight. He hit his opponent everywhere imaginable from the top of the head all the way to his toes. His childhood, a competitive nature, and love for boxing shaped this boy into a "FIGHTER". He was known all over the 4 state area, this Fighter went on to become a 3 time Golden Glove Champion, and one that the crowds loved. The rest of his life, his nose carried the mark of a true disciple of the ring. As WWII began this "FIGHTER" lied about his age and enlisted in the army. He was shipped across the Atlantic as an Army Infantry man to fight the Germans in Africa, Italy, and across Eu-rope. Under the age of 18 he saw things that most could never even comprehend. Earning multiple medals for his bravery and service, including Silver star for his Valor and 2 purple hearts from separate injuries from battles overseas. As the war ended he came back to the states a "FIGHTER", a "HERO", and a "Man". He soon married in 1946. His love of boxing took up much of his time as did multiple jobs and his family. This marriage did not workout, but he later met the True Love of his life Hazel McCarty and they married on Dec. 6,1955. He retired from boxing and began raising a family, but he was still a "Fighter", a "Hero", and a "Man". He continued as a "Fighter" for his family, moving them west to Arizona and California. He worked a number of jobs at first not finding his true niche in the professional world, but then Carpentry found him, when his brother in law needed help. This became his trade and he became known for the rest of his life as a "Carpenter". He was not a confrontational man, but he would not back down. He stayed a "Fighter" his whole life, by fighting for what he enjoyed and working hard to become the best at all that he did. He was known as a Great "Bowler", phenomenal "Golfer, and "Carpenter" the rest of his life, but he was so much more! He was not just a "Man", but a "Great Man". If you met him you would never forget him. Whether he knew you for a minute or his whole life you felt as though you were important to him, and he truly cared for you. He never smoked or drank, besides a Pepsi, but he lit up the room with his bright blue eyes and the most beautiful contagious smile you have ever seen. His witty remarks and sarcasm would have you laughing all night. If he only had $10 in his pocket and he thought you needed it he would give it to you. If you came to his house as family, friend, or with a family or friend he wanted to make sure you were fed before you left no matter what time of day. He loved his family more than anything in this world, and his wife most of all. Throughout his military service and life he met General Pat-ton, Winston Churchill, President Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. He was born into one of the greatest generations this country may ever know. This Man was not a rich man or a perfect man, but he was a "Great Man". The kind that each man should strive to be. Who was this man? He was a Son, a Brother, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, a Great Grandfather, a Fighter, a Hero, a Lover, a Dancer, a Carer, a Giver, a Teacher, a Boxer, a Bowler, a Golfer, and a Carpenter, and he was Great at all of them. He was "GRANDPA RED". (Grandpa Red) Harold William Pullins age 90 of Coffeyville, KS took his last breath at 6:45 PM August 28th, 2015. He is survived by his Wife, Hazel Pullins of Coffeyville, KS and Brother John Pullins and wife Darlene Pullins of Bartlesville, OK. His Son Harold (Pepper) Pullins and wife Tammy, of Monterey Calif; Daughter Janet Egermeier, of Coffeyville, KS; Daughter Becky Dill and Husband Dennis, of Prescott, AZ; Daughter Debi Goodwin and Husband Rowel of South Coffeyville, OK; and Son Tom Pullins of Coffeyville. Grandchildren (16) Candi Wilson Phoenix, AZ Chris Wilson Blythe, CA Julie Waddington Ukiah, CA; Doug Pullins Ukiah, CA; Ramona Miller Springfield, MO; Ryan Pullins Springfield, MO; Rhonda Pullins, Springfield, MO; Zack Goodwin, Ankeny, IA; Zane Goodwin, Bristow, OK ; Zed Goodwin, Coffeyville, KS; Brandi Wad-kins Coffeyville, KS; Claire Lossner Coffeyville KS; Bryan Holler Coffeyville, KS; Emillee Callens; Kyle Pullins Monterey, CA; Emma Archer Coffeyville, KS. Great Grandchildren (18) Chris Jr Wilson, Savannah Wilson, Briar Goodwin, Hawk Goodwin, Wren Goodwin, Ryder Goodwin , Roan Goodwin, Rizden Goodwin, Rainee Jo Goodwin, Axton Goodwin, Acelyn Goodwin, Cameron DeLapo, Dylan Pullins, Jace Pullins, Zoe Miller, Samuel Pullins, Audree Callens, JR Callen. Red was preceded in death by his Father, Charles W Pullins; Mother Laurinda Melinda Pullins; Son Samuel "Eddie" Pullins; Brothers; Howard Pullins, Donald Pullins, Cecil Pullins, Raymond Pullins Sisters; Ruby Pullins, Etta Kell, Mildred Hawk, and Bernice Conley. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday September 5th at Dearing Christian Church in Dearing KS, with Pastor Jaime Regis officiating. Graveside to follow at Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the Red Pullins Memorial Fund; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. Friends may call on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com. 3 time Golden Glove Champion Over 300 fights only 70 losses