In Memory of Sgt. Major J.D. Gulley
(September 14, 1936 – October 31, 2017)
Born in the town of Rosston in September of '36, Down in southwest Arkansas, you might say out in the sticks.
Born to DeWillie Gully and to John Clark's little Ruby, A hard-working man of honor of service and of duty.
Just 12 days after he was born, his dear mother sadly died, So uncles, aunts and grandparents kindly took him to their side.
Inquisitive and a fast learner, he gained skills both to fish and farm, And he made some good decisions, though his life was far from charmed.
He left Uncle Sid and Aunt Lucy's at a young age, to be sure, And was drafted by the U.S. Army for his first of many tours.
He served for over 32 years with distinction and with pride; Vietnam vet with 2 bronze stars, Sargent Major, yes, certified!
From "No Man's Land" in Korea to Missouri's Fort Leonard Wood; Company B's "Man with a Mission"—heavy construction oh so good.
With
highly
above average intelligence, he did security for LBJ; Then to the White Sands Missile Range for a "Top Secret" getaway.
Next came an Engineer Battalion and Vietnam's "Vegetable Road"; Then to Phoenix as a Senior Advisor, commendations just flowed and flowed.
To Thailand for work in transportation then the 51
st
Asphalt Platoon; 2 million pounds of asphalt was laid in a record breaking afternoon.
Back to the States to Michigan, again a Senior Enlisted Advisor; A tribute from the Governor—what a leader and supervisor.
Then on to Massechusetts where he covered 6 New England states And to Seoul's 8
th
Army Headquarters to monitor and coordinate.
He returned to the States to Fort Lewis and the 593
rd
Support Group, Then Korea, Dallas and Korea again, but his performance never drooped.
He paved the way for minorities through quality work and great success; He retired in March of '87, one of the Army's very best!
He bought property in Salado and became a "gentleman rancher,"And up to 80 years of age, he continued as quite the dancer.
He liked his cars and trucks, for sure, and to spend time on his Gator; A fisherman and a cattleman and a tractor operator.
He had a great love for family and made many "drop in" visits; Clark Family Reunions were attended till his health would not permit it.
He liked a good party, loved to cook, but his recipes were "classified"; He enjoyed watching Jimmy Swaggart, but Fox News he could not abide.
He was blessed with quite the daughter, he and Myra were alike in ways; He tried hard to be a good father, she stood by him in his final days.
He served his country very well in a career that was unsullied; We commit him to his Savior now, our beloved J.D. Gulley!
Written by Chaplain Bruce Mercer of Kindred Hospice—October 27, 2017
In lieu of flowers, you can make donations. Please send them to P.O. Box 887, Salado, TX 76571.
