John was born in Kittrell, North Carolina to Clyde M. Pulley, Sr. and Carlia Parish Pulley. He grew up working on the family’s tobacco farm and graduated from Zeb Vance High School in 1958 with a basketball scholarship to College. He began his career with Roses Stores in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Clayton Pulley on July 19, 1959. John and Carolyn’s daughter, Johanna was born May 22, 1961.
During John’s career with Roses, he served as the store manager at locations throughout the Southeastern United States. In 1974, the Pulleys moved to Jackson, Mississippi when John was named regional manager for Roses Stores in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. John and Carolyn were active members of their church wherever they lived.
In 1991, John retired after 34 years with Roses and surrendered to church ministry. He served Broadmoor Baptist Church in Jackson as the church’s Senior Adult Minister for 20 years.
John never met a stranger and always shared the plan of salvation with everyone. He served as a deacon, 10th grade Boys Teacher, Sunday School Director, Discipleship Director along with several regional and state positions with the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
John loved his North Carolina Tarheels and he and Carolyn attended many basketball regional and final four games. He also was a golfer, fisherman and gardener. He was a Eagle Scout.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn of Madison, Daughter, Johanna(Gary) of Starkville and one Grandson, Jonathan (Jordana) of Nashville.
Visitation will be Friday, April 8, 2022 from 10:00 am - 11:45 am at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison, MS followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 noon in the church Sanctuary. Interment will follow in Parkway Memorial Cemetery 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS.
In-lieu of flowers Memorials requested to Broadmoor Baptist Church Mission Fund or Hope Hollow Ministries, 910A Catlett Road, Canton, MS 39046