09/21/2026
“Milton & Judi Pullen - A life together”
Milton Sebastian Pullen, Jr. and his beloved wife, Judith “Judi” Marilyn Sprague Pullen, shared nearly 60 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together.
Milton was born July 13, 1943, in Alabama. He passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 82. Judi was born September 15, 1943, in Kentucky. She passed away just five days before Milton, on July 26, 2025, at the age of 81. At the time of their passing, they made their home in Cu***ng, Georgia.
Milton and Judi met while attending college, where Judi was a featured Golden Girl majorette & Milton was a star football player. They married in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1965.
Throughout their life together, they called several places home, including Bowling Green, Sturgis, Ashland, Louisville, and Lexington, Kentucky, as well as spending time in Naples, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Lexington held a particularly special place in their hearts and was their favorite place.
Their life was often found in the simple things they enjoyed most — watching movies at home, having a little dog or cat by their side, going out to eat, and ordinary days spent together.
Milton
Milton graduated from Bradley High School in Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1962, where he was co-captain of the football team and was voted “Mr. Bradley” his senior year. He went on to attend Western Kentucky University on a full football scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in business.
Following college, Milton spent 9 years as a pharmaceutical sales representative. He later built a long career in insurance, first with Northwestern Mutual Life and then primarily as an independent life, health, property, and casualty insurance agent until his retirement.
Football remained one of Milton’s great loves throughout his life. An Alabama football fan since childhood, he rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game. He was also an enthusiastic Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan.
Milton will especially be remembered for his graciousness, southern gentleman ways & insistence on manners. Those who knew him also knew how much he enjoyed finding a favorite little restaurant where he could have breakfast nearly every morning with friends.
Milton’s faith was personal. During his years in Sturgis, Kentucky, Milton served for a time as Sunday School superintendent at First Christian Church. His faith was expressed through generosity and was something he carried with him in his own quiet way.
Milton was preceded in death by his eldest sister, Anne Cowart of Mobile, Alabama. His three surviving siblings include Susan Sloane of Huntsville, Alabama; Judy Sanders of Mobile, Alabama; and John Pullen of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Judi
Judi was the daughter of James Slaton Sprague and Martha Dean Perry Sprague & the sister of James Slaton Sprague, II .
She graduated from Sturgis High School in 1961 and attended Tennessee Tech before transferring to Western Kentucky University. She earned her degree in Home Economics from Western Kentucky University in 1965 and later earned her master’s degree in Home Economics.
Judi taught science in Ashland, Kentucky & home economics at Union County High School during the 1960s and ’70s.
Creativity was woven throughout Judi’s life, beginning with her involvement in 4-H. She loved crafts, needlepoint, cross-stitch, making floral arrangements, decorating, and adding her own special touches to everything around her. If something could sparkle with glitter or rhinestones, Judi could make it happen. She especially loved decorating her front porch, door, and home for the holidays and changing seasons.
She was also known for always being beautifully dressed wherever she went — and there was usually something sparkling somewhere in her outfit.
Judi’s love & involvement in pageants began during her teenage years. In the 1970s, she was crowned Mrs. Kentucky, a special accomplishment & memory from her life.
While living in Sturgis, Judi was a member of First Christian Church. As she grew older, her faith also grew and became a more meaningful part of her life. In her later years, as mobility became more difficult, she enjoyed watching church services on television and continued nurturing her faith from home.
They are survived by their son, James M. Pullen, and daughter-in-law, Ellen B. Pullen of Holly Springs, Georgia; their grandchildren, J. Milton Pullen II, of Georgia and Ellis Isabella (Pullen) McRee of Florida; as well as extended family, including nephews Jimmy Sprague, Bourke Sprague, great nieces and great nephews.
A joint memorial service celebrating the lives of Milton and Judi will be held this Sunday, September 27th, at Whitsell Funeral Home.
Visitation will begin at 12:30pm to 1:30pm, with the memorial service to follow at 1:30pm.
Location:
Whitsell Funeral Home
609 North Main Street
Sturgis, Kentucky 42459
Their son, Jim Pullen, will officiate the service.
A memorial honoring Milton and Judi is located at Pythian Ridge Cemetery. See less
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