Philip Henry Pullins

Philip Henry Pullins, Jr., 89, of St. Joseph, MI, beloved father, grandfather and friend, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015. Phil was born September 12, 1925 in Benton Harbor, MI to Philip and Gladys (Tessman) Pullins.  After graduating from Benton Harbor High School he voluntarily entered the Navy and served on the USS Sumter for the duration of WWII seeing action in the South Pacific Theater.  Upon his return he married   Donna Jean Bailey on May 12, 1945; a marriage that happily continued until her passing on April 7, 2008. One of the last of the “old school” Phil started doing yard work at Modern Plastics Corp. while still in high school.  After his return from the war, he trained as a tool and die maker at MPC continuing as supervisor of the division until retiring in 1990.  He was an avid bowler, golfer and fisherman.  Phil was widely known by his family and friends for maintaining a wonderful, positive attitude no matter what the current conditions might be.  He will be sorely missed by his daughter, sons, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, sister and friends. Phil is survived by his children Philip G. and Randy Pullins of Morley, MI, Randolph and Barbara Pullins of Jackson, TN, Debra and Jon Hermann of Benton Harbor, MI, Christopher & Cornelia Pullins of Hendersonville, TN; five grandchildren Ronda, Benjamin and Mary Pullins and Bailey and Eric Hermann, and one sister, Donna Swisher.  He is preceded by his wife Donna, parents Philip and Gladys Pullins and two brothers Ron and George Pullins. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Deacon Mike Gallagher officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. before the service.  A private burial will take place at a later date. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name. Those wishing to share a memory of Phil online may do so at www.starks–menchinger.com.