John Ransom Pullen, 69, of Columbus, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at LaurelWoods in Columbus.

John was the son of the late Paul Pike Pullen Jr. and Veda Tomich Pullen. 

John graduated from Wauwatosa High School in Wisconsin, where he was a wrestling champion. After high school, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and later became a competitive rugby player.

He moved to Tryon, North Carolina, in the 1970s to help with the family real estate business.

John was a devout Christian. He faithfully studied religion and always yearned to learn more.  He was a member of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon for over 40 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Spencer Pullen, of Tryon.

Surviving are two brothers, Paul Pullen (Robin) of Tryon and Jim Chase of Mequon, Wisconsin; five nephews, Pike Pullen (Angela) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Casey Pullen of Tryon, Brandon Stephens (Ashley and their son Jack) of Charleston, South Carolina, James Chase (Majora) of New York City, and Parker Chase of Milwaukee.

The family wishes to thank LaurelWoods for their devotion, love and care they gave John over the last six years, and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for their devotion during his last weeks.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon, with Father Robert Ard officiating. 

The family will receive friends at a reception at the church following the service.

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 279, Tryon, NC 28782.

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Tryon