Charles Henson "Chuck" Pulley

PULLEY Charles Henson "Chuck", passed away peacefully on Mon, Aug 17th of complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was preceded in death by his adored wife of more than sixty years, Martha, whom he missed every day. His life was graced with generosity, love of family, endless curiosity and abundant energy. Mr. Pulley was born April 22, 1917 in Cambridge, Ohio He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, and attended law school at University of Iowa, where he met his future wife, Martha Jeanne Law. They married in 1942 and had five children: Lee Ann (Chase) Knight, Prospect, KY; Jill Christine Mulholland, Lexington; Robyn Beth (Thompson) Roach, Versailles; Kevin Bruce (Terri) Pulley, Mt. Sterling; and Laurel Leslie (John) Cravens, Chicago, IL; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His first job with Irving Air Chute brought him to Lexington with wife and family in 1952. He became president of that company in 1962, which grew to be Irvin Industries, and began the manufacture of automotive seat belts for General Motors. This established his life-long mission to promote automotive safety and seat belt use worldwide. In his capacity as president of the American Seat Belt Council, later the Automotive Occupant Restraints Council, he served as spokesman for occupant safety from 1961 until his retirement at age 82. He was a member of the Rotary Club and Lexington Country Club; former member of Christ Episcopal Church and St. Raphael Episcopal Church. He is survived by a sister, Doris Jean Barth of Apopka, Florida. His family gives special thanks to Linda Johnson for the loving and devoted care given to their father for more than three years; and the Rev. Don Johnson and Donnie Conner for their care and support. A memorial service will be held at noon Sat, Aug 22nd at St. Raphael Episcopal Church, 1891 Parkers Mill Road, Lexington. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home-Main St. is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington 40504; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P. O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780.