Henderson County Fiscal Court proclaimed Tuesday, Dec. 19, as “Roy Pullam Day.”
Pullam, a longtime teacher and community advocate, is suffering with cancer. Pullam has been involved in community projects of which the list is a mile long. He was featured in the December print edition of the Hendersonian.
In accepting the honor at the Fiscal Court meeting, Pullam deflected some of the recognition and instead praised present and past courts, saying members have worked in the community’s best interest through the years.
Pullam also said several people suggested he run for political office but he always declined, saying he’d be filing for office and later filing for divorce.
“I never thought I could do the job you do,” he told the court.
Pullam told a story from a long time ago when he was speaking with a friend, who said he couldn’t wait to leave Henderson. Pullam responded that he’d found his spot and you can’t find better people anywhere else.
“I love this town,” he said. “I met my wife (Velma) here. We made our life here. We could’ve lived anywhere.”
Magistrate Taylor Tompkins, one of Pullam’s former students, said although his former teacher didn’t ever serve as an elected official, he helped to create many of those who now serve in local elected positions.
In addition to Tompkins, Magistrate Butch Puttman, Magistrate Bill “Stephens” Starks and Judge-Executive Brad Schneider mentioned personal anecdotes that detailed Pullam’s guidance and support.
“You’ll have a place in the heart of Henderson forever,” Puttman said.
