William Calhoun Pulliam Jr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

PULLIAM, William WILLIAM CALHOUN PULLIAM JR. William Calhoun Pulliam, Jr., age 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at Piedmont Hospital on January 21st, 2008. A native of Pinetta, Madison County, Florida, he was born June 3, 1921 to William Calhoun Pulliam, Sr. and Ilah Hamilton Pulliam. Bill was a graduate of the University of Florida and served in World War II as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Philippines. Born and reared on his family's farm during the Depression, Bill graduated in 1947 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He joined Cotton Producers Association, later named Gold Kist, Inc., the farmer owned cooperative formed during the Depression to help Southern farmers produce and market their products. During his 36 year career, Bill was instrumental in building the company into a premier agricultural cooperative and one of the country's largest poultry producers. Upon his retirement in 1983, The Atlanta Constitution featured an article on Bill that said "Pulliam spent his entire career helping farmers get their fair share. As a member of the giant cooperative's three-man executive committee since 1972, he has helped mold the company into a powerful international business with sales in 1982 of $1.5 billion." In the article, Pulliam said "Farmers should get their fair return on their investment the same as any other businessman, and I hope through my career with Gold Kist that I've helped them get at least part of it." Bill was a noted spokesman on agricultural economics and served as Board Member and Chairman, F Farm Credit Board, Columbia, SC; Board Member, National Bank for Cooperatives, Denver, CO; Board Member, National Broiler Council, Washington, DC; Director, Georgia Agribusiness Council; and Director, Cotton States Insurance Company. Bill retired in 1983 as executive vice president of Gold Kist, Inc. Faithful to Christ and his church, Bill was a member of Wieuca Road Baptist Church for over 42 years and served as a volunteer at Buckhead Christian Ministries. He was also a long time member of Cherokee Town and Country Club. Despite his professional accomplishments, the heart of Bill's life was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, the former Mary Frances Murchison of Vidalia, GA., three daughters: Julie F. Pulliam of Athens, GA., Susan Pulliam Wooller and her husband Edmund A. M. Wooller of Atlanta, GA. and Mary Anne Pulliam Plunkett and her husband James T. Plunkett of Augusta, GA. In later years the greatest joy of his life were his three beloved granddaughters: Mary Robeson Plunkett, Sarah Frances Plunkett and Anna Hamilton Plunkett, all of Augusta, GA. He is also survived by two sisters, Deane Pulliam Smith of Panama City Beach, FL, and Doris Pulliam Davis of Yalaha, FL, and her husband Lonnie; sisters-in-law Katherine Pulliam of Indianapolis, IN, and Lee Pulliam of Valdosta, GA.; many nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas P. Pulliam, Curtis T. Pulliam, and Fred H. Pulliam. He also leaves many long-time friends in Canton, GA and much-loved relatives in Vidalia, GA. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Bill's caregivers, Lunelle Fluellen and Juanita Webster. Bill will always be remembered as a gracious gentleman with a warm smile and a kind word for everyone. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 23rd in the chapel of Wieuca Road Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Jeana Fortenberry and the Rev. Michael Tutterow. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service in the church's Heritage Room. A private family interment service will be held prior to the memorial service at Arlington Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Music Ministry or the Pastoral Care Ministry of Wieuca Road Baptist Church, 3626 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA. 30326; Buckhead Christian Ministries, 2847 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA. 30305; or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Express condolences at ajc.com/obits