Master Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Eugene Hulley, USN, Retired, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, grandchildren and only sibling. He was a devoted husband, father and papa. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Maria Victoria LaCava Hulley and his parents Kenneth E. Hulley and Myrtle D. Bailey Hulley. He is survived by his children G. Jessica Suzore, Jim Hulley (Gwen) and Gene Hulley (Stephanie Sprague), nine grandchildren: Matthew K. Suzore, Christopher M. Suzore, Andrew J. Suzore, Rachel-Elizabeth Suzore, Zachary A. Hulley, Noah C. Hulley, Samantha L. Sargent, Brannon M. Hulley, Bailey C. Hulley, Logan A. Sprague and Ryan A. Sprague, his only sibling, Jean Rose of Boise, ID and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was born January 8, 1941 in Detroit, MI. At the young age of 17, he joined the US Navy and traveled the world. After 30 years of service to his country, he retired as Master Chief Petty Officer. While traveling the world, he met the love his life Maria Victoria LaCava and after a three-year long-distance courtship, they married May 30, 1963 at La Chiesa di Saint'Antonio di Secondigliano in Naples, Italy. They were married for 54 years.
After his retirement from the US Navy, Ken served 25 years with Shelby County, TN, Juvenile Court while concurrently serving as a Memphis Police Department Reserve Officer for 25 years. His success in life can be directly related to his work ethic, discipline and attention to detail. He had a compassionate heart and always thought of others before himself. Because of his love of service to others, he volunteered for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, 10-years in a row, protecting the runners and for the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and McLean. He was loved by many, every day and will be missed by many, every day.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and memorial services at 2 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd., Bartlett, TN 38133. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory may be offered to any veterans' charitable organization or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
