William M. Pulliam Jr.

William M. Pulliam Jr. LAKELAND - William "Bill" Merton Pulliam Jr., 81, went home to be with the Lord Feb. 14, 2009, due to heart failure. Born May 11, 1927, in Richmond, Va., he was a resident of the Colonnades Community in Lakeland for one and a half years. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard, poker and calling bingo. He was chairman of the Nominating Committee for the 2009 elections, parliamentarian for the POA Board of Directors and Social Committee. He attended Maury High School in Norfolk where he played football. He was a graduate of The College of William & Mary/VPI extension with an AAS degree. William joined the Naval Reserve in 1945 where he served for four years active duty during World War II and Korea. He served as part of the group which helped to form NATO. After a total of 40 years in the Navy (both active and reserve), he retired March 16, 1985, as master chief of Command for Tactical Air Control Group. He received the American Campaign Medal (Korea), Navy Occupation European Class (Korea), National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (fifth award), and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (second award). Bill also received the "Flying S" award from SIKORSKY for his participation in the rescue of downed aircrew men at sea. Bill also earned the distinction of being the only enlisted man to serve as an executive officer of a NARU Norfolk unit. William worked for WTAR-AM/TV/WLTY radio from 1950 to 1992 where he retired as an engineer for both radio stations. He started out as an engineer at WTAR-TV at driver. He then started working at WTAR-AM/FM radio transmitter after returning from active duty in 1952. In 1958, he moved over to WTAR radio as a supervising engineer. He also helped to build the new transmitter in Hampton, Va. William was a charter member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter 54 and twice chairman of that organization. William was a member of Naomi Lodge No. 87 FA & AM in Norfolk. He was raised as a Mason by his father and become a 50-year member in 2007. He was a 49-year member of the Norfolk Scottish Rite Valley, Khedive Shrine Temple and the Legion of Honor. He was past executive secretary for the Oyster Bowl Committee where he also worked on publicity. He was a ticket seller and helped organize the Oyster Bowl Parade in the Oyster Bowl office for several years. Also, for several years he was warehouse chairman for the Shrine Circus. He was a member of the NARTU Association, National Sojourners Inc. 3-5-6-Club, National Sojourners Hampton Roads Chapter No. 6 and Heroes of '76 Hampton Roads Chapter 6. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Josephine Pulliam and sister, Evelyn Harris. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Dee; his mother-in-law, Maxine Stilwell, both of Lakeland, Fla. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Jennifer Labrozzi and her husband Craig; along with four grandchildren, Christopher, Jacob, Emmaleigh and William Labrozzi. He is also survived by two daughters, Diann Stutz and Charlotte Perry; a grandson, William E. Decker; and a great-granddaughter, Lena Decker. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Shriners Hospital Transportation Fund, c/o of Khedive Shrine Temple, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Lakeland Funeral Home is serving the family. Online guest book available at www.lakelandfuneralhome.com.