Larry Pullin

1946 - 2026

Larry Pullin Larry Clay Pullin passed away in San Antonio, TX on January 20, 2026 at the age of 79. He was born on

September 16, 1946 to Alvy and Ethel Pullin in San Antonio, Texas. He married the love of his life, Cynthia

Ann Wilson, in 1966. They were married for 59 years.

Larry graduated from Nixon High School in 1964, where he excelled in all sports. He started his collegiate

athletic career on a basketball scholarship to Southwest Texas State University. After one year, he transferred

to Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he was a member of the Javelina football team. He was a

defensive back and punt returner. His punt returner prowess resulted in many records being set at Texas A&I.

Larry began coaching as an assistant at Kingsville High School. He then moved to Lubbock Estacado from

1970-1975. His head football coaching career began in 1975 with the Floresville Tigers compiling a record of

28-20-2. His teams were very competitive but this was during a time when only one team made the playoffs.

In 1980, he became the Head Football coach of the Cuero Fighting Gobblers. In his six seasons at Cuero, he

compiled a record of 51-19, capping off his last season with a trip to the State Finals in 1985. In 1986, his next

stop was with the Abilene High Eagles. His teams compiled a record of 17-29, all while playing in the "Little

Southwest Conference". His last stop as a Head Football Coach began in 1991 in San Antonio with the John

Jay Mustangs, which lasted for 13 seasons. He led the Mustangs to a record of 69-66-1 during his tenure,

and his teams instilled a source of pride in the Jay community. Larry retired after the 2003 season, shortly

thereafter returning to work part time at the Northside Athletic Offices, until his full retirement in 2021. As most

coaches do, Larry spent numerous hours at the fieldhouse with his coaching staff and players. He treated his

staff and players as family. Many today still consider him a role model and "father-figure" in their lives. Many

of Larry's players continued their football career at the collegiate level. He also had players reach the NFL

level, such as Brad Goebel and Sammy Morris, and he enjoyed following their success.

During his coaching years, Larry was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association, serving on

the Board of Directors. He was inducted into the THSCA Hall of Honor in 2013. Other awards Larry received

for his playing and coaching accomplishments include being inducted in the Texas A&I Hall of Fame in 1987,

receiving San Antonio Coach of the Year in 1992, and being inducted into the Greater San Antonio Football

Coaches Foundation Hall of Honor in 2013.

Larry enjoyed all of his coaching accolades, but his proudest accomplishment was coaching his son in Cuero.

Later in life, his greatest joy was being "Pops" to his granddaughters, Clayre and Carly. He could always be

found at their many activities growing up. He loved watching all their sporting events as Lady Gobblers and

usually shared a few coaching tips with them during and after their games.

In his free time, Larry could be found on a golf course. He loved traveling with his golfing buddies on

numerous outings. All while enjoying an expensive cigar, or two.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvy and Ethel Pullin, and his stepdad H.L. "Ziggy" Sears.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Pullin; son, Clay Pullin (Leona); brother, Daryl Pullin(Fran); granddaughters,

Clayre and Carly Pullin; his beloved dog, Pepper; as well as many nieces and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00am at San Antonio John Jay High

School Auditorium, 7611 Marbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78227. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the

service. A reception will follow the ceremony at the same location.

Honorary pallbearers include the members of his former coaching staffs, former players, and all his golfing

buddies.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials may be made in Larry's name to: THSCA Benevolent Fund,

Northside Education Foundation, or Prodigious Hospice of San Antonio.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Prodigious Hospice for their compassionate and dedicated care