George D. Pullen

George D. Pullen (Bud), 78, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2012, surrounded with the love and compassion of his adoring family. He was born on May 4, 1933 in Norfolk, Va. to George and Ruby Lee Pullen. He lived most his life in the Norview section of Norfolk and became a well known member of the community because of his genuine love of all people. He has often been referred to as the honorary mayor of Norview. George was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, joining shortly after graduating from Norview High School in 1951. After his military service he went on to attend Norfolk Business College where he met his wife of 54 years, Gwendolyn McLawhorn. A longtime member of Norview United Methodist Church, he served the congregation as chairperson of the Administrative Board, president of the United Methodist Men and treasurer of the church for many years. George was also active in the Meals on Wheels program. George worked in the Financial Management Division of the Atlantic Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command (LANTDIV) for thirty one years and was awarded Employee of the Year in 1975. In his leisure moments, George loved spending time with his beloved grandchildren more than anything else. He was also an avid sports fan. He learned to play baseball and basketball while playing for Norview High School and also played baseball for his father. He shared his love of sports by coaching his children’s Azalea Little League softball and baseball teams, and the Norview United Methodist Church softball team. He was also a member of the DPWO Bowling League. George loved the Norfolk Tides and was a season ticket holder for many years. One of his favorite things to do was to take his grandchildren to Tides baseball games.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen M. Pullen; his daughter, Lee Anne Rapp and her husband Robert; his son, Phillip D. Pullen and his wife Tina; his brother, Joseph P. Pullen; his six grand-children, Brian, Amanda, and Kevin Rapp, and Phillip, Leslie, and Grace Pullen; his brother-in-laws, Maynard Blask, of Little Falls, NY, and Bill McLawhorn and wife Joyce, of Ayden NC; and several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents, George and Ruby Lee Pullen, and his sister, Gloria Ann Pullen Blask.

A Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 27, 11:00 AM, at Norview United Methodist Church, 1101 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, VA. A visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, on Monday March 26 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Norview United Methodist Church.