Thomas Wayne Pullins, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday July 8, 2020 at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. Born Feb 22, 1960 in Phoenix, AZ to Harold “Red” Pullins and Hazel (McCarty) Pullins. The family resided in that region until they moved back to Coffeyville when Tom was in early high school and he would call it home for the remainder of his years. If you ever wonder if you met Tom, then you didn’t, because you would have remembered him as no one was a stranger to him. A regular patron to all the downtown restaurants and Chicks pool hall. You could usually catch Tom sitting for hours at one of these establishments with his “Jug” of tea and a contagious smile. He never seem to let the craziness of this world get him down and if it did he sure was good a hiding it.
Uncle Tom, as known to so many of us, was poster child for Hell on Wheels, from the stories I’ve been told and witnessed, that’s possibly a strong understatement. In 1960 he hit the ground running 100 mph with Red and Hazel on his tail. I believe, if Uncle Tom had been her first born he’d have been her only. There is a reason God made her his mother, with the patience of Job. The old homage, "I brought you in to this world, I can take you out…” I imagine was on Hazels mind many a times with him. From his love for horticulture in high school. To the idea of getting some “ink”, which she would revoke that idea very quickly… with the help of 80-grit sand paper. I’m pretty certain Uncle Tom wrecked more cars than Evel Knievel, whether they were his own or someone else’s. From borrowing Debi’s car while she was out of town only to return it home with a "slight” door adjustment. To being the only person I know attempting to conquer Killer Hill with his Dad's 2-ton dump truck. Only with the assistance of a dozer were they able to get it home in one piece. The adventures of Uncle Tom, seem to go on and they all bring a smile to your face. He always had a positive outlook on life and anyone he encountered. Never one to complain, except about the food, and only with a mouthful of his second serving!
As a result of a serious car wreck at the age of 17, Tom, truly was walking miracle. Years of recovery, love and dedication from his parents and the fighter within him, Tom recovered to become a fully independent person. Something the Dr said should not have been possible due to the injuries he sustained, but I know God had bigger plans for him. Tom would develop a passionate relationship and a love for Christ, his Savior that rivaled many and Gods love showed thru Toms “street ministry”. I know he touched the lives of so many that others wouldn’t given a second look. He knew the power of Gods love and sharing that with others was very important to Tom. As anyone who met him knows, you didn’t’part ways without a big hug or fist bump followed by “God Bless You!” That same love was also reflected toward his family. Second only to his Faith was his Family. He loved each and every one of us unconditionally and with everything he could give. Growing up with Uncle Tom in my life was like having that much older brother that you could harass and joke with but you always knew you were loved. God Blessed us with Uncle Tom for more years than we deserved and if you weren’t family he still treated you so. If I could sum up his life in one statement, undeniably it would be, “Faith, Family and Freedom” these 3 things were most important to him and his daily actions proved tha
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Harold “Red” Pullins and brother Samuel “Eddie” Pullins.
He is survived by his mother Hazel Pullins, of Coffeyville KS; sister Debi Goodwin (Rowel) of South Coffeyville, OK ; Harold Jr “Pepper” Pullins (Tammie), Fresno, CA; Becky Dill (Dennis) Chino, AZ; Janet Egermeier (Richard) Childers, OK; Multiple nieces, nephews as well many great nieces and nephews all of whom he profoundly loved!
Tom was a member of the Southern Baptist Church, in Coffeyville, KS.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 13, 2020 at the First Southern Baptist Church, 2701 W, 8th St. in Coffeyville with Pastor Budg Riekeman officiating. Burial will be in Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville.
Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com
David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.
