Mr Larry William Pullen

Larry William Pullen, age 62, went home to be with Jesus on February 28, 2022 at Roanoke Carilion Memorial Hospital, in Roanoke, Virginia, after a year-long battle with cancer, with his sister and brother-in-law by his side to witness the perfect peace of Christ in his last breath.
Larry carried the heavy weight of an unforgiving illness for nearly 44 years that relentlessly tried to steal his “best life”. Yet, he always fought through it valiantly, never giving in, never giving up; always remaining optimistic and hopeful about life, thoughtful, caring about others. Such a testament to “the Strength” of Larry’s heart that the last gift he purchased for his sister (in January) was a praying hands sculpture holding an open Bible with the scripture passage: “I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Because Larry gave his heart to Jesus Christ as a young person, on Monday, February 28th he laid down the burdens of this life and entered into the joy of the Lord.
Larry richly enjoyed the last few years of his life, successfully living independently in his own apartment. He enjoyed making it comfortable and pleasant with wall hangings, décor and trinkets and loved riding his bike for shopping trips. He was meticulous and organized in everything that he did, even taking a note pad to the ER the night he was admitted where he had started his “to do list” for the month, including a gift idea he planned to purchase for a loved one.
Larry enjoyed cooking up a meal, even if just for himself, and took pride in the things that he could accomplish on his own. He especially loved holidays and enjoyed decorating his apartment in preparation for them. He derived much joy the last several years from caring for his beloved cat, “Beady Eyes”. In many respects, Larry retained a sweet, child-like perspective throughout the years, enjoying the simple and important things of life. He had a memory that wouldn’t quit, and he never forgot birthdays or holidays and was a faithful card sender and letter/note writer.
Larry was born on September 23, 1959 to Charles William Pullen and Virginia Dodson Pullen, who predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Debbie Nicholson and husband, Danny (who live in Madison County, VA) along with his brother, Timmy Pullen and wife, Suzie (who live in Canada).
Honorable mention and sincere appreciation to Roanoke Carilion Memorial Hospital for the past 5+ years of care (on and off) that they gave Larry, but most especially during his most recent chemo treatments and necessary hospital stays resulting from his cancer diagnosis a year ago. Countless medical staff members were involved, and too numerous conversations to mention were had, related to Larry’s care. It is worth noting that not a single one of those encounters was ever met with anything less than compassion, understanding and patience, along with medical excellence and skill.
Thanks to the continued support of the dedicated staff at Hall Community Services, Roanoke, Virginia, Larry was afforded the wonderful opportunity to live an independent, enjoyable and productive life.
Larry recently expressed his desire to donate to the exceptional St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who help children fight cancer and where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. He already had his first payment ready for mailing before his hospital admittance two weeks ago. In his honor, a donation may be made to St. Judes @ https://www.stjude.org/donate.
There will be a private Celebration of Larry’s life, for the immediate family at a later date.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are made available thru Lotz Funeral Home Roanoke @ https://www.lotzfuneralhomeroanoke.com/tributes for those wishing to share their condolences or their memories of Larry. The family is grateful for the kindness and compassionate support they have received from the very special staff at Lotz.
The following portion of the hymn “God Sent His Son (Because He Lives)”, written by William and Gloria Gaither, is a beautiful summation of the source of Larry’s strength and endurance in the difficult struggles that he faced in this life—struggles which indeed did give “way to victory”.
Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow
Because He Lives, All Fear Is Gone
Because I Know He Holds The Future
And Life Is Worth The Living, Just Because He Lives
And Then One Day, I’ll Cross The River
I’ll Fight Life’s Final War With Pain
And Then, As Death Gives Way To Victory
I’ll See The Lights Of Glory And I’ll Know He Reigns