Edwin Foy Pullen

On February 22, a pilot's pilot went to fly with God. No longer will Edwin Foy Pullen need man made wings to soar in God's heaven. Born April 17, 1915. He is proceded in death by his parents Larry David Pullen and Elizabeth Davis Pullen, his three brothers, Lynward Pullen, Lester Pullen, Jasper Pullen, and his sister Nell P. Hankey, his grandson Jason Scott Ryals, and his daughter Becky Pullen Ryals. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years Irma P. Pullen, children Ann P. Kern and husband Buddy Kern, son Edwin L. Pullen and wife Margie Parrish Pullen, and son-in-law M. Scott Ryals, grandchildren Angela Delamar, Steve Delamar, Parrish Pullen, Martie Pullen Nunez, and Anna Ryals Aycock. He and Irma have 6 great grandchildren. Foy, as he was known, was an aviation pioneer. His aviation career began in 1930 and he retired in 1992. Foy not only excelled as pilot he was also a top notch mechanic. He was designated by the Department of Commerce (CAA forerunner of the FAA) as a Designated Examiner to test and issue the practical examinations for Aircraft as well as Power Plant to certify mechanics to perform maintenance on civilian airplanes and engines. Mr. Pullen was recognized in 1998 for his service and knowledge in this field by being awarded the Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic Award". Taylor was the mechanic for the Wright Brothers and this Master Mechanic's award is issued only to the highest and best in the nation. The plaque with the names of the recipients hangs in the aviation section of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. Foy was also designated by the FAA to give the practical examination for pilots seeking their license for Private Pilot, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-engine designations. His flying career encompassed barn-storming in the mid to late 1930's, teaching both in the classroom and in the air, Civil Pilot Training for military cadets in WW II, test flights for airplanes that were serviced in his maintenance shop, and in general every type of civilian flying that presented itself. Foy and his wife Irma were long time members of Marvin Methodist Church in Rocky Mount where they were active in all facets of church life. The two of them were quite the pair as they lived an example in their witness for Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends and relatives from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Friday, February 25, 2011 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A celebration service to remember Foy will be held at 11:00am Saturday morning at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leo Jenkins Cancer Center, in memory of Becky Pullen Ryals, 600 Moye Blvd., Room 178, Greenville NC 27834. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 2/25, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Service Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 2/26, 11:00 am Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804