Joseph "Joe" Kelly Pullen

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA with interment to follow in Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus.

Joe was born in Albany, GA on August 21, 1943 to the late Frank Joseph Pullen and Nell Gertrude Raiford Pullen. Joe attended the University of Georgia, when he left Joe went to work for TI (Texas Instrument) in Dallas, TX on June 26, 1967. His first assignment was working as a Mechanical Polish Technician and Blanchard Grinder Diffusion Technician. In 1970, Joe transferred to the Forward Looking Infrared (F.L.I.R.) project (night vision) as an Engineering Technician Joe also worked as an Electron Technician, wiring Fume Hoods and other FAB machines. Joe was sent to Japan in 1972 to install some front-end equipment while the Japanese were on strike during this trip. While working one day Joe went to work with a pair of pants that were maroon in color with stripes and stars which was a distraction for the other operators. Unfortunately, they had to tell him not to wear them again.

Joe eventually transferred into the PAC group in 1984 and worked as a planner where he supported the PAC legacy Testers; Spares Components, RMA and new systems build and this position is where he remained until his retirement. One co-worker stated Joe was one of those rare people that could make it rain when the sun was shining and another stated they like Joe for his sunny, optimistic personality. Even when things are difficult Joe always maintained a positive and supportive outlook. Joe owned and operated a couple of businesses and the last was Pullen Sprinkle & Drain.

Joe served as a volunteer Firefighter for the Heart of the Pines VFD in Smithville , TX and Capt. Joe especially loved driving the fire trucks. He was very passionate about Corvettes, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Jeeps, tractors, riding in hot air balloons, fast trucks and really fast jet boats. Joe loved the mountains, skiing, four wheeling, and hiking, for his 43rd birthday Patsy surprised him with a ride in a 1943 Bi-Plane. Joe was also an avid photographer and he just enjoyed adventure in itself.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Patricia “Patsy” Pullen, his step-sons, Brian, Jason (deceased) and Steven, and his grandson, Tanner.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Heart of the Pines VFD PO box 98 Smithville, TX 78957

Joe’s last request was to “ Drive a Fire Truck one more time.”