Colonel Gary Edward Pullin USMC Retired

1947 - 2024

76, of Charleston passed away at home on Friday, August 2, 2024. He was born to the late Nile C. (Red) Pullin Sr. and Vesta E. Potter of Tornado on September 7, 1947. Gary grew up on a small farm with his four brothers and graduated from St. Albans High School. He earned a B.S. in Agriculture from West Virginia University in 1970, then joined the United States Marine Corps as an Officer Candidate where he initially served as an active-duty Artillery Officer. After transferring to the reserve component of the Marines, he attended WVU's College of Law and graduated in 1978. Gary served his country as a Marine for 30 years total, primarily in the reserves as a Staff Judge Advocate, until retiring at the rank of Colonel in 2001. Oorah! Gary was very dedicated to his law career, where he worked in private practice and at the United States Attorney's Office before becoming a founding member of a law firm in 1989. He enjoyed the success, growth, and community of Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC, where he retired as senior partner in 2019. Additionally, Gary was elected in 2013 as the District Supervisor of the Capitol Soil Conservation District to stay engaged in local agriculture.

Gary was a devoted father and enjoyed spending time with his two children, Allison and Ryan. He unconditionally supported their interests and careers. Gary could be found on the ski slopes or bicycle paths with Allison, and he was in the audience for Ryan's concerts or taste testing Ryan's cooking in the kitchen. Gary was excited to be part of all their major life events - graduations, moving into new homes, starting new careers, Ryan's marriage, and more. He was passionate about ensuring the success and happiness of his children.

Gary also enjoyed boating, bicycling, snow skiing, slalom water skiing, running, and observing the wildlife in his backyard. He loved spending time on the Pullin family farm, whether he was mowing grass, admiring the sunset, or grilling out with family. He had a great sense of humor and was always generous to help people in need. Gary was an active member of various United Methodist churches throughout his life.

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara Crimmel Pullin; daughter, Allison Pullin of North Carolina; son, Ryan (Hannah) Pullin of Charleston; grandchildren, Lydia and Roo Chapman of Charleston; brothers, Nile C. Pullin Jr. of Connecticut, Joe (Mary) Pullin of St. Albans, and Johnny Pullin of California. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Lee "Sonny" Pullin Sr.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 9, 2024, at Humphreys United Methodist Church, 7799 Coal River Road, Tornado, WV with Pastor Will Basham and Pastor Jake Henley officiating. Entombment will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, Lower Mausoleum, Saint Albans with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Legal Aid of WV, ATTN: Development, 922 Quarrier Street, 4th Floor, Charleston, WV 25301.

You may visit Gary's tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family.

Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Pullin family.