Roy N. Pullam, 79, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center with his devoted and loving wife at his side.

Born June 17, 1945, Pullam was the son of Labe and Lizzie Pullam.  He was the last of their children surviving: Willis Pullam, Frances McCauley, Bill Edd Pullam, Dorothy Hancock and William Labe Pullam all having preceded him in death.  Roy was born at home to a disabled and illiterate father.  Pullam spent the formative years of his life in severe poverty.  Through all the economic struggles, he kept his eye on the prize.... a college education.

Pullam graduated from Providence High School, Henderson Community College, and Murray State University.  He did graduate work at Western Kentucky State University, University of Indiana, University of Louisville, and the University of Virginia.

Pullam taught in the Henderson City and County School systems, and he taught as an adjunct professor at Henderson Community College and Lockyear College.  During his teaching career, he was the Spirit Club Sponsor, the 9th Grade Center Student Council Sponsor, Jr Optimist Sponsor, Octagon Sponsor, and director of Bonnet Film.  600 Bonnet video tapes are now in the University of Kentucky college library.  Pullam was 7 times president of the Henderson Optimist Club and the first to win Junior Optimist Octagon distinguished youth sponsor award.

Pullam was the first and only one to win both Henderson County Citizen of the Year and Henderson County Distinguished Educator.  Pullam felt to his last days that being an educator made him richer than gold and silver could ever make him.

The greatest honor ever afforded him was the love he shared with his beloved Velma.  In the over fifty years they shared as man and wife, he often proclaimed the most joyful time of his life.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Edmund Lee King, II, and his wife, Rosetta, of Henderson, Kentucky, and nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  Dr. Tim Hobbs will officiate.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 19, 2024, and 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Don Wathen, Erick Dalton, Mark Owens, Bud Breamer, Ralph Snider, and Rick Groves.

In lieu of flowers, please consider feeding the hungry at the Henderson Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.