Bill Tullis

Bill Tullis, 90, of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, formerly of Corning, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023 at the Clearview Home, Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 14, 2023 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Corning, Iowa with Pastor Lauri Greenlee officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Oakland at Quincy Cemetery, rural Corning, Iowa. Open visitation will be 4:00 – 8:00 P.M., Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Oakland Cemetery Fund. Memories and condolences may be shared on-line at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Billy Eugene Tullis, the son of Earl and Sarah Zoe (Ficklin) Tullis, was born May 22, 1933 in Stanberry, Missouri. Bill graduated from Stanberry High School with the Class of 1951. Bill entered the United States Navy July 27, 1951 and served during the Korean War. Bill was honorably discharged on July 26, 1959 and was later united in marriage to Wilda Ruth Fletchall. Two sons, Wendell and Lindell, were born to bless this union.

Following his military service, Bill began his civilian life as a beverage distributor for Pepsi and 7-UP in Kansas City and later in Iowa. He purchased Carl Johnston’s distributorship in 1967 after moving to Corning. Later, Bill built and operated Bill’s Drive-In, which he sold to Ken Richmond after 15 years. In retirement, Bill mowed yards for various people and businesses.

Bill was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Duck’s Unlimited. He loved to hunt pheasants and a favorite pastime for Bill was playing cards every Wednesday night at Happy Hollow Country Club.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents; five brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife, Wilda Tullis, Corning, Iowa; sons: Wendell Tullis, Corning, Lindell Tullis, Corning; three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law: Gordon Talmadge, Grandview, Missouri, Dave Hovey, Warwick, Rhode Island; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.