Wilbur Paul

Wilbur Paul "Bill" Gulley, Jr.


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Jan 23rd, 2015

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  • Death Date: Jan 23, 2015

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Biography: Wilbur Paul ?Bill? Gulley, Jr., former CEO of Savers Federal in Little Rock, passed away peacefully in Durham, North Carolina on January 23, 2015. He was the son of Wilbur Paul (Sr.) and JaJa Douglas Gulley of Little Rock and was born on August 8, 1923. Bill Gulley grew up in Little Rock in the State Street neighborhood, attended Little Rock High School, and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from Duke University in 1947. During World War II he served in the US Navy with distinction and was Captain of the minesweeper USS Prime during the final months of that conflict. Following graduation Bill returned to Little Rock and joined his father in working at Pulaski Federal Savings and Loan, later renamed Savers Federal, which became one of the largest S&L in Arkansas. He rose to become CEO of Savers Federal and spent his 42 year career encouraging savings and helping members of his community become home owners. He became a leader of the Arkansas Savings and Loan League, serving on the Little Rock Branch of the US Federal Reserve. Bill also believed strongly in giving back to his community. He served as general campaign chair of the United Fund, President of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, and as President of the Little Rock Boys Club. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Donaghey Foundation and Roselawn Memorial Park. He was a strong supporter of higher education, serving on the Boards of Hendrix College and Arkansas State University. He was also a long-term member of First United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Stewards for 30 years. Bill Gulley was devoted to his family. He married Mary Elizabeth ?Bookie? Hunt on March 13, 1971, who predeceased him in 2012. He is survived by four sons from his previous marriage to Jane Harrison Gulley and their spouses, Wib Gulley and wife Charlotte Nelson of Durham, NC; Dub and wife Libby Gulley of Durham, NC; Ransom Gulley of Little Rock, AR; and Michael Gulley of Little Rock, AR; and by their six grandchildren, Paul and Caroline Gulley of Durham, NC; Rhyne and Pierce Gulley of Durham, NC; and Adrienne and Brynne Gulley of Little Rock, AR. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, stepson and their spouses, Janice Hunt Rounsaville and husband Gerry of Birmingham, AL; Julie Hunt Gaither and husband Hugh of Newton, NC; and John Hardy Hunt III and wife Cheryl of Rye, NY, and their seven grandchildren, John Michael Stieferman, John Robert Gaither and wife Sarah, Joseph Andrew Gaither, Elizabeth Gaither Carter and husband Todd, Catherine Gaither Leitch and husband Chris, John Wilson Hunt, and Spencer Hardy Hunt; and seven great-grandchildren. While Bill accomplished much in his business career, he was also a wonderful father and husband, and his family will miss him greatly. He brought a ready smile and good cheer to life, and he loved to share a funny story or bit of humor with friends and family. He was generous and considerate of others, and he taught us the value of hard work and planning for the long run in life, often sharing insights from his father and his life. Bill Gulley was a special, dear man who will live on in our hearts and memories forever. There will be a funeral service honoring Bill on Monday, February 16 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, Little Rock, officiated by Rev. Christopher Cooper. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Bookie at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his honor to a nonprofit which shares his passion for homeownership, Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, 6700 South University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72209. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(10)
Fred Wanger
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
To Wib, Dub, Ransom, William, Janice and John, I want to extend my condolences to you and your families. I held Bill Gulley in very high esteem. He had this certain grace about him. He was personable, distinguished and a giant figure in the Little Rock community.
Mary Jane McCarroll Calhoun
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Wib, Dub, Ransom & Michael,
So sorry about your father, I know no matter what age we are, the loss of a parent hurts. I hope all your good memories of Bill, will stay fresh in your mind today, as you say a final good-bye. Would loved to have seen you all - but our home and driveway are encased in ice!! Safe journey back to North Carolina, cousin Mary Jane
Lisa Harris Ebarb
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Words cannot adequately express what this wonderful man meant to my Mother, Kathy Harris, my family, and me personally. He visited Mother every day while she was in the hospital and was even there right after she passed away. Mr. Gulley was gifted with the ability to make others smile and valued everyone. I can't remember a time that I saw Mr. Gulley in which he didn't give me a hug and tell me how proud he was of how dedicated I was in my career. Last week when I found out, I spent the day reflecting on him and my Mother and was flooded with memories of his stories he would share. I have many memories of him and loved him dearly. I planned to attend the service today but due to the bad winter weather I can't make the drive. My thoughts, prayers, and most of all my love goes out to his family!
Susan Terry Borne
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Gulley Family,
The Terry family was so sorry to learn of Mr. Gulley's death. So many memories of growing up back-to-back on Country Club and Stonewall. Your dad was so nice to all of us.
We had plans to bring our parents to the service today but with the weather we think it best to stay home. They send their sympathy to you all. They were all such good friends. Our folks, Betty and Bill, are doing pretty well - remarkable really - for their ages. (90 and 92).
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Sincerely,
Susan, Ellen, Beth and Betty and Bill
Cindy Grisham
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I have such fond memories of Mr.Gulley. He was a very special person and loved by many. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Andy Byrd
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill Gulley became my employer for 17 years after moving to Arkansas in the sixties. He was a mentor as well as a friend with whom I remained in contact until his move to North Carolina. I treasured his advice and friendship through the years.
Jim Hurley
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I moved to Little Rock in 1987 to work for Savers and immediately my wife and I were befriended by Bill and Bookie Gulley. Their warm and sincere welcome and continuing friendship softened our relocation from our lifetime home in Oklahoma City. Over the ensuing years we kept in touch with these special people and had the opportunity to visit them before they left Little Rock. Bill Gulley was a good man, a kind and generous man and will be missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Sharon Harris Galloway
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Fond memories of Mr. Gulley from the Savers days. He treated everyone equal and always had a smile on his face. My sister in law Kathy Harris thought the world of him when she became ill he was at the hospital every day. Enjoyed our talks about the good old Savers days. My prayers go out to the family he was a true gentleman and I was so blessed to known him.
Sharon Harris Galloway
Judy Parker
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
To all of the Gulley Family.
My heart felt sympathy goes out to you all. Mr. Gulley was a kind man and a deeply respected leader during my career at PFS/SFS. He was always fair to the staff and thought of us as his kids. He tried to make everyone feel important in their job. PFS was my extended family, both employees and customers. May you have peace and comfort in knowing that so many people loved him. I can still see his smile.
Rita Hixson - Tharp
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Memories are flooding my mind as I read Mr. Gulley's obituary. He was such a great person. I miss him and I miss those old Savers days. I can picture his arms waving and that look he'd get in his eyes when he would tell a story. It makes me sad that he is gone and I know all of his family will surely miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rita Hixson - Tharp

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