The Donald C. Pulley Memorial Scholarship Endowment was created in memory of Retired Colonel Donald Pulley by his wife (pictured above) and family. They honor his dedication to teaching and his love for the city of Niceville, Northwest Florida State College, and its predecessor, Okaloosa-Walton Community College. This scholarship is a tribute to that love and dedication and will support Northwest Florida State College students with financial needs.
Pulley was born in Kearney, Nebraska, and grew up on a farm in Forest, Indiana. He worked through college by joining the Air Force ROTC at Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute and a Master of Business Administration from the University of West Florida.
Though he initially joined ROTC to help pay for his education, he found a passion for the military that became a lifelong career. During his nearly 27 years with the US Air Force, he received numerous honors including the Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal, Stewart Award for Excellence in Program Management, and multiple Meritorious Service Medals. He retired as Assistant Vice Commander and ventured into other professional positions such as consulting and teaching at the University of West Florida.
Outside of his professional life, Don was an active member of Kiwanis for 30 years, even during lengthy battles with Leukemia and Parkinsons Disease. He held various Kiwanis leadership positions, including President of the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club and Division I Lieutenant Governor, and mentored new members as Division I Trainer. He also co-founded and was a member of the Freeport-South Walton Kiwanis Club. One of his favorite roles was as a K-Kids advisor at Edge Elementary School. Don also enjoyed leatherworking, woodworking, photography, flying aero club aircraft, and working on his ’67 Camaro.
Colonel (retired) Donald Charles Pulley passed in January of 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, a brother and sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, a niece, and his three miniature schnauzers. Don is remembered lovingly by his wife of more than 50 years, Jean Pulley, his children and their spouses (Theresa and Jeremy Radwan, Dawn and John Werry, and Nicole and Derek Hen), plus his grandchildren (Amy Radwan and Scarlett Herr), brothers, nieces, and nephews.
