Richard A. Pulliam, Sr., age 73, of Waco passed away Monday 22, 2021.
Service Information: Visitation will be 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, March 26, 2021 at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Saturday at Living Word Church of God in Christ, 1005 Dunbar Ave, Waco, TX 76704.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 pm, April 6, 2021 in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.
Services will be live streamed at www.LivingwordWaco.com or on Facebook @LivingWordChurchofGodinChristGilbertGillumWacotexas.
Richard Alfred Pulliam, Sr. was born to the late Richard and Mary Sue Pulliam in Saxe,
Virginia. He was the fourth born of six children and the only cherished and adored son and
brother. Richard lived on the family tobacco farm as he attended elementary school eventually
completing four years of high school. Richard was a life-long learner and began learning new
things and traveling when he joined the United States Army in 1966. He was a Hercules Missile
Crewman and later advanced to Senior Launcher Crewman. His initial career in the army ended
after four years and he was Honorably Discharged in 1970. Richard immediately enrolled in
business college in Richmond, Virginia, completing an Associate Degree in accounting. He held
a certificate of nursing and was a Licensed Vocational Nurse, he also received a degree in
Mental Health. Ten years after his first discharge, Richard returned to active duty as a Field
Medic in the Texas National Guard. He advanced and later transferred to the U.S. Army
Reserves where he continued to advance through the ranks and was promoted to Sergeant Major,
an accomplishment that he was extremely proud to attain. His final assignment with the military
was in the 94th General hospital as Sergeant Major in Mesquite, TX. Richard’s leadership,
faithful service, sense of patriotism and superb military bearing made him a role model for others
to emulate. His duty and devotion in taking care of soldiers exemplified the highest tradition of
military service. Richard’s dedication to the military has honored him with many awards and
decorations as a soldier: Soldier of the Year Minute Man, Army Commendation Medal, Good
Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Richard Pulliam confessed a belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Shiloh
Missionary Baptist Church where he attended with his family. Later when Richard moved to
Texas, he joined Free Church of God in Christ in Jesus’ Name, currently known as King’s
Christian House of Prayer, and was baptized in Jesus’ Name by Elder Turner. In 2018, Richard
felt led to be baptized again by Pastor Ray Dickerson of Church of Lord Jesus Christ, an event he
has never regretted. Richard remained a faithful servant in his church as Sabbath School teacher
until his health began to decline in early 2017. Even though his health declined, he rarely missed
church and when he was in church, he sang, clapped, and nodded his head as the music played.
He moved his fingers as if playing the piano as Elder Warren played. Prior to 2017, Richard was
faithful in the ministry at the local and national level. He served as President of the Men’s
Department of the Apostolic Pentecostal Fellowship of Churches, Inc. He took pride in this role
and planned and implemented Men’s Day Programs that involved men of God at all levels.
Richard was true servant as there was not any job that he would not undertake around the church;
he was yardman, janitor, dishwasher, packer, assisted in any role that was needed. He even sang
in the choir and simply just made a joyful noise.
Richard made it to Waco, Texas via El Paso, Texas where he met the love of his life Specialist
Miley O. Smith, U. S. Army. They met in late June 1970 and were married December 24, 1970,
recently celebrating 50 great years. To this union were born two children, Cheryl Yvette Pulliam
and Richard A. Pulliam, Jr. who he adored and loved unconditionally. Richard was a loving,
kind, giving, hardworking man that rarely said no to anyone. His family was not just Cheryl,
Richard and Miley but the entire Pulliam family and his acquired 12 Smith children and their
mom and dad. He worked tirelessly to ensure that he had plenty to share with others. He always
had two jobs and the military (self-imposed) and took on extra tasks that included helping friends mow a cemetery lawn, moving items, and just being a handyman for others. Richard never knew
a stranger and was a lender and not a borrower to many, but would never mention his lending.
Richard loved learning and working. He worked for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center for
more than 20 years as Certified Nursing Assistant and Licensed Vocational Nurse. After 20 years
of service at VA he decided he wanted to work for the post office and took a position as Mail
Handler at a post office in Fort Worth, TX and later transferring to Waco, TX retiring in 2014
from the Maintenance Department. At both facilities Richard made many friends that cherish his
friendship to this very day. He served his fellow employees and all that he encountered.
Richard was also a lifetime member of Blacks In Government, he served on the Supervisory
Committee of Member’s Choice Credit Union. These two organizations enriched his life, and he
was honored to be a part of them.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Mary Sue Pulliam, Richard Pulliam and his sister
Mary Louise Pulliam. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Miley O. Pulliam,
daughter Cheryl Yvette. Sims, son Richard Alfred Pulliam, Jr., grand daughter, Brianne Nickole
Sims, grandsons, Elijiah Crockett, Richard Alfred Pulliam III, Ayeden Nickolas White-Sims,
Sisters, Laura Pulliam, Far Rockaway, New York, Leola Jolly, Saxe, Virginia, Irma Pulliam,
Saxe, Virginia, Juanita Lee (Frank) Centreville, Virginia. Texas Sisters: Patricia A. Mathis,
Amarillo, TX, Iva. J. Smith, Naomi Holder, Izola Medlock, (Alvin) and Viva M. Jackson (Lee)
Waco, TX. Brothers: Roy L. Smith, Jr., Houston, TX, Elwin Kirk Smith, Sr. (Barbara), Augusta,
Georgia, Garry Trent Smith, Sr.(Yolanda), Houston, TX Larry Brent Smith, Sr. (Dorothy)Dallas,
TX and Daryl Smith, Sr. (Missouri City, TX).
Sisters that loved Richard too: Anita T. Farrish, Waco, TX, Doris Dove (Willie) and Lillian-
Ruiz-Cruz Special Lifelong Friends: Mr. Phillip Oliver and Mr. George Long and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Special THANKS to Bridget Jones (BJ) of Angel Home Health, our health caregiver for more than three years! Our family not only met a dedicated caregiver but a true family member for life.
Print Obituary & Condolences
To Miley & family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Richard. We cherish the friendship we have shared since mid 1970’s. Miley you were truly Richard’s jewel. May God comfort you during this time of grief. Miley, we look forward to continuing to share your friendship for many years to come. We love you & look forward to seeing you soon.
Bobbie & Doug Allred
Thank you for your kind words. Your friendship can not be valued. Love you much and we will visit soon.
To Pastor Juanita & Family Keep looking to the Hills, from whence cometh you help. Love Pansy Mccray. Fairfax Virginia
Our condolences to the Pulliam family. We will keep you uplifted in our prayers.
Thank you so much, your prayers are appreciated.
Love and prayers cover you and your family, Miley.
We send our love and deepest sympathies.
Nancy and Champ Turner
Thank you so very much. Your prayers are appreciated. Love Miley
Miley & Family. We are so sorry to hear about Richard passing. He was always very kind and gracious to Leroy and I. His smile could light up any room. It was a blessing and our pleasure to know him. May God continue to bless you and all the family at this time and fill you with the peace that only He can give. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Leroy and Carrie
Thank you, you and Leroy always made us so welcome in your home. Richard was just beginning to be ill and you all treated him and me like royalty. Richard will be missed more than i can express but your prayers will help to sustain me during the coming days, months and years. Love Miley
My condolences to the family on the passing of Richard. It is never easy to lose a husband, father or special friend no matter the age. I pray for peace and comfort for the family as you all continue your life journey without your Richard’s earthly presence. I will always remember him from the Post Office.
Thank you Kathy for your kind words and kindness to Richard and me through the years. You made his day complete with my birthday cake, he did not totally comprehend but he knew it was beautiful and he knew I was overjoyed. Love Miley
Sorry for your lost and know that he is in a better place with our FATHER!!!! No more suffering.
So very sorry for your loss of this remarkable man. I Always remembered working with Richard as such a kind dedicated man. Glad I got to know him!
Thanks Jodie for your kind words. Richard did love all he worked with. Love Miley
Our condolences to the family on the passing of Richard. We will be praying for each of you. I’m sure Dwight is smiling down on all of us and having a grand conversation with Richard.
Howard & Loretha Cobb
Thank you so much. I miss seeing my nephews and Roushatta. Yes, Dwight and Richard are telling long stories and Richard won’t get tired standing by the car. Love Miley
Sorry for your lost & may God give you & your family strength to get through this
Thanks Raven,
You have the best mother in the whole world. She took great care of my husband and he loved talking to you on the phone. You are special to us.
Miley and family, We were so impressed with Richard’s involvement and love for his church. In keeping with that we wish to honor him with a check to your church that might go towards the start of something in his honor. We love you.
Carol and David Sherwood
Carol and David,
Thank you both for the kind words. Thanks for sharing in honor of Richard, I will share what we decide to do to honor him. I love my friends so much. Miley
From the Simms family, out here in Fort Worth, where Katy Street Apostolic is our church home, and the Honerable Bishop R.J. Daniels is our pastor. Sis. Pulliam I offer my deepest condolences for your lost and I pray that God brings comfort during you and your family’s time of mourning. I was a very young girl when God allowed our paths to cross, and I can honestly say that I have never met a happier couple, always smiling and giving God a Hallelujah praise. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose life that he touched, be it from those most consider a “nobody” to CEO’s, but most importantly his church family at King’s Christian House of Prayer. You and family will be in my prayers🤗🤗
Dear Simms family,
Thanks for your kind expressions of love and I smile that you are so generous with sharing sweet words. I have to say we loved coming to church together and I enjoyed praising the Lord as he quietly clapped probably thinking when will she sit down(Smiles). Thanks very much.
Prayers to you Miley and family during this difficult time. May your faith and memories bring smiles and joy knowing that Richard is at peace
Jerre,
It is good to hear from you. Thanks for thinking of me. Love Miley
Miley, I am so sorry to learn of Richard’s passing and my constant prayers are with you and your family. Yes, Richard is in a better place and with his Savior but those left on earth will miss him greatly, such a wonderful man.
Debra,
Thank you, I remember you meeting Richard and always commenting as to him being a great grandpa as he took care of Brianne while I was in clinical. God bless you and much love.
Miley and family
It is bitter sweet when I heard Richard went to be with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. On one hand he was a wonderful husband and father and on the other hand was given a challenge with his Parkinson’s. How do I know? We had that in common, Parkinson’s. Worked with Miley at MCC and knew Richard to be a great man and Christian. He and I shared a special bond of mutual respect. Everyone who knew him will have an emptiness for Richard.
God bless you all.
Ron and Terrie Nelson Heemsbergen
THANKS my sweet friend, you were special to him. always making him smile. Yes there will be an empty spot. Love and Blessings to you Terrie. MOP
Miley,
We were saddened to read of Richard’s passing. May God’s love surround you and the family to give you comfort and strength. We know Richard will always live in your heart.
Much love,
Christy and Sam Abernathy
Thanks Christy and Sam for your kind words. Love Miley
I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Deacon Pulliam and yet joyful because I knew that his earthly suffering had ceased and that his works will speak for him. Still my heart aches for you as now must continue life without your life long battle buddy and love of your life. I saw your dedication to God, King’s Christian House of Prayer and to one another so it leaves me doubtless that when this life is over and He gathers those who’ve made themselves ready you, too, will meet Deacon Pulliam in glory. Until then be encouraged beloved and continue to fight the good fight of faith. May God’s grace and mercy continue to follow you all the days of your life.
Sis Laredo,
Thank you, you know he enjoyed your poems and encouraged you to publish, get busy because he always wanted to write a book. Your words are special and uplifting. Love Sis Pulliam
May the God of comfort, peace and strength be with you all in this difficult time. Alfred was my first cousin and he will be truly missed.
Miley Pulliam and Family,
So sad to hear about the passing of SGM Richard Pulliam. He was a great man, leader, and NCO in our unit. I will always remember him as a source of strength and support when we served together at the 94th. May his sweet spirit be a comfort to you and bring a smile to your face each day as God has made his radiant smile an everlasting memory to all of us who knew and loved him. –Colonel Retired Verdell Marsh, Chief Nurse, 94th Combat Support Hospital
Dr. Marsh,
Thank you for your kind words. You and the 94th were a wonderful part of his military life. You were a great mentor and role model for him. He would share that you helped him to edit many documents that he had to submit, thanks for being a good friend to my husband. He is sorely missed. Love Miley O. Puliiam
bye pawpaw we will miss you