Charles H Pulley, III

CHARLES HEREFORD PULLEY III Charles H. Pulley of Gulf Breeze passed away at home, Thursday, March 9, 2017. He was born in Pensacola, August 20, 1935, to Charles H. and Mary (Stubbins) Pulley. His family moved to Tallahassee where he attended elementary and high school. He enjoyed the Leon High School reunions. After serving his country for four years in the Marine Corp, Charles continued studies at the University of Florida. He married Carol Jo Lewis of Tallahassee in 1960. In 1962 he graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and worked as a city/county recreation director. He returned to the University of Florida and earned a Master of Physical Education & Health in 1965. He taught and coached at Okaloosa Walton Community College, now North West Florida State College, from 1965 to 1994. He helped with the growth of the new college, introducing courses, writing curriculum, and designing facilities. He introduced racquetball, sailing, canoeing, and camp counseling to the college, and took students on canoe camping trips on local rivers. As a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer at Eglin AFB, he certified many students as instructors and life guards. He spent many years coaching, starting and assisting with many sports teams at the college. Soccer was his favorite and he was still in contact with many of the players. He volunteered with youth sports, church and scouts, coaching soccer and running, and taking groups backpacking in the mountains. He was always learning going through Outward Bound, National Outdoor Leadership School and a wilderness practicum at Appalachian University in Boone, North Carolina. A sabbatical allowed him to take advanced courses at FSU in the doctoral program. In 1991, he was commended by Coach Bowden for his summer work with the FSU football team on strength and conditioning. He was a believer in fitness, competing in 10K races, triathlons, marathons and distance swimming for many years. Scuba diving, fishing and hunting were also important to him. After retiring he volunteered at schools and church, reading and putting on programs for the children. He was a Master Gardner and a Master Naturalist. He is preceded in death by his daughter Josephine Marie and his parents, Charles and Mary Pulley. Survivors include his wife Carol, of 56 years; three sons, Charles (Ayano) Pulley IV of Crawfordville, FL, Lester (Amy) Pulley of Big Pine Key, FL, Robert Willard Pulley of Gulf Breeze, FL; grandchildren, Patrick, Yuta, Carol, Autumn, Jace and Charles; and first cousin Mary Rivers Cooper (Charles) of Tallahassee. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 2 pm. at the Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 1 pm. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to the Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church children & youth program.

Tributes

Charles H Pulley, III

August 25, 1935 - March 9, 2017