Elmer James "E.J." Pullins, 86, of West Point, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Kenny's Heart Senior Living in Lewisville, TX.

E.J. was born on June 13, 1939, in Beardstown, IL. He was the son of Robert "Chester" and Anita (Soule) Pullins. He graduated from Bowen High School and went on to receive his associates degree from Gem City Business College. On April 3, 1960, E.J. was united in marriage to Freda Jackson at the West Point Methodist Church. He then served his country by joining the US Army. E.J. was an extremely hard worker. He worked many jobs throughout his life including farming, a substitute rural mail carrier, woodworking, owned and ran the True Value Hardware store in Carthage for many years, as well as spending over 19 years as a plant supervisor for Electric Wheel.

E.J. attended the Bowen Christian Church his entire life. He loved his Bible. E.J. served as a Sunday school teacher as well as a lay minister for area churches. In his free time, he enjoyed a round of golf as well as trapshooting in which he was very skilled. E.J. enjoyed his time with family and loved his wife dearly.

E.J. is survived by his wife, Freda Pullins of West Point, IL; his children, Eldon (Darla) Pullins of Mendon, IL, Robert Pullins of Carthage, IL, and Christine (Loren) Woodbury of Double Oak, TX; his grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Breeann, Cannon, Brandon, Kristen, and Alexis; and his 6 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Dow and Irene Jackson.

A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Bowen Christian Church in Bowen, IL, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. A visitation will be held from 4 – 8 pm on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Bowen Christian Church. Memorials can be made out to the Bowen Christian Church. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.