John William Pulliam

John Speed Pulliam passed away on January 10, 2016 at Indiana Regional Medical Center due to complications from Parkinsons disease. He was not defined by his problems and continued to battle daily with the true difficulties he faced; usually with a smile and a kind word to all. Speed was born on January 9, 1940 in Homer City and during his life, he was a familiar face throughout the town and very active in the community. He coached basketball for the Homer City Boosters Association and was a life member of the Homer City Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as an Assistant Chief. He was instrumental in establishing the Indiana Fire School and was one of the first licensed State firefighting instructors in the area. Speed served on the Homer City Borough Council for several years, as well as, Mayor. During his time serving the Borough, he initiated such community programs as the Neighborhood Watch Program and the American Flag Program. As a member a life member of the Homer City United Methodist Church, he was an usher and served on the Board of Trustees. Being known as an avid runner, Speed was a member of the Indiana Road Runners Club where he ran over 300 races, including the Marine Corp Marathon. He was not only proud of his community involvement but also for his service to his country as a United States Marine. Speed worked at McCreary Industrial Products for 25 years as an industrial sales engineer and finished his career at Industrial Rubber Products. He married Sara V. Cramer in 1961 and would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on February 23rd. Throughout their time together, they shared many fond memories with family and friends camping at Silver Canoe, vacationing at the beach, and winter time in Key West, Florida. Speed is survived by his wife Sara and his daughters Connie Gearhart (Rob), Tracey Smyers (Dave), Beth Vresilovic (Bob), and Jennifer Daum (Joe) and his beloved grandchildren, Erin Smyers (Bill Rebovich), Patrick and Jacob Daum, and Jonathan Gearhart. He is also survived by his sisters Sally Joseph (Jerry), Lucy Capitosti, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Speed was preceded in death by his parents William and Dorothy Pulliam, sister Brenda France, and brother-in-law David Cramer. A celebration of Speeds life will be held on Thursday January 14, 2016 from 10 until time of memorial service at 1 at the C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home in Homer City. Memorial contributions may be given in Speeds honor to the Alice Paul House of Indiana County, PO Box 417, Indiana, PA 15701. Let us remember Speed as a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a proud Gramp. Let us celebrate Speed for his courage and strength through one of his favorite mottos NEVER GIVE UP.

Visitation

Thursday, January 14, 2016 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Inc.
4606 Old US HWY 119 South Homer City 15748, United States