Howard Duane Pullen, Sr.

Duane Pullen, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Duane was born on September 1, 1933 in Luverne, Alabama.

He was the son of Cecil Earl Pullen and Eddie Ruth Flinn Pullen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Sturdivant Pullen of 56 years and brother, Malcolm Flinn Pullen.

He graduated from Luverne High School in 1951. He then attended Auburn University from 1951 to 1953 and was an active member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. In July 1953, he joined the United States Army during the Korean War where he was first stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky and later transferred to Fort Jackson as a Sergeant. It was during his service in January 1956 that Duane met his true love, Jackie, and by December they were married. In 1957, he decided to complete his degree in business marketing at the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1959. In 1958 Duane and Jackie had a daughter, Katherine, followed by two sons, Howie (Howard) born in 1961 and Danny (Daniel) born in 1964.

Duane was employed at Belk as a buyer and manager from 1959 to 1972. In August 1972, Duane and Jackie opened, operated and owned Duane’s Hallmark until 2000. During this time, he was a professor for Midlands College for the school of business and he taught special marketing classes at USC. In 2000, he started another business, J and D Collectibles, which is still in operation at the Barnyard Flea Market.

Duane loved the Lord and his church, Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was an active member since 1958. He was involved in several areas of the church including serving as chair of Day Timers and teaching Sunday school for almost twenty years.

Duane had many interests and hobbies. He served as a member on the Board of the Better Business Bureau, BellSouth Yellow Pages and was Vice President of the National Association of Limited Editions.

Duane was always collecting things such as coins, stamps, guns, and special collectibles. He also enjoyed making things with mosaic tile and wood. More than anything, he loved putting puzzles together and coloring with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving is his daughter, Katherine Marie Pullen ODonoghue of Stanley, NC; two sons, Howard Duane Pullen, Jr. of Columbia, SC and Daniel Newell Pullen of Columbia, SC; four granddaughters, Angel Kristina ODonoghue Rumfelt and husband, Chad Rumfelt of Stanley, NC, Tiffany Marie ODonoghue Davis of Stanley, NC, Melissa Katherine ODonoghue Combs and husband, Jeremiah Combs of Iron Station, NC, Jacqueline “Lynne” Louise ODonoghue Ware and husband, Justin Ware of Mt. Holly, NC; four great grandsons, Brayden Duane Davis of Stanley, NC, Thomas Chad “CJ” Rumfelt, Jr. of Stanley, NC, Jacoby Luke Ware of Mt. Holly, NC and William Brad Rumfelt of Stanley, NC; two great granddaughters, Alexis “Lexie” Marie Davis of Stanley, NC and Abigail Elizabeth Combs of Iron Station, NC.

Visitation will be held in the sanctuary at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC from 12:00 to 1:45 pm on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Funeral services will also be at the church starting at 2:00. The burial will follow after the service in Bush River Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food pantry at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church.