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W.L. Sullivan aka Buddy/Sully
Buddy Sullivan, 76, of Tularosa, made his journey to the Lord Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 30th, 1947 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to Rufus Edward and Willie Lee Sullivan. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and served his country in the Korean War. He followed that with 30 years in Civil Service at Holloman AFB and WSMR, where he retired in 2002. He helped monitor equipment that was used by both military and NASA with equipment on several shuttle missions. He spent his entire life working to create a beautiful life for his family and made many lifelong friends along the way. He was an avid fisherman and spent many hours hauling in the big ones that never got away from him. He was an excellent bowler as well, holding a very high average that got him invited to join teams all over the country. He would always make time to travel to visit family and friends because he enjoyed being around the people he loved. He dedicated his life to being there for his friends and family in so many different roles. He was a teacher, a mentor, a leader, and a true gentleman. Above all else, he showed everyone what true love was supposed to look like. If you saw him with his wife, you witnessed true dedication to a soulmate, a life partner, and a best friend.
He was preceded by his parents, his sister Jane Lumsden, his father-in-law Emilio Montoya and mother-in-law Ysidra Montoya, his brother-in-law Henry Diaz, and sister-in-law Christine Fernandez.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ernestina Montoya Sullivan of Tularosa. His brother George Sullivan. His children, Sherri Sullivan and wife Kimmie of Reidsville, NC. Roland Sullivan and wife Trisha of Alamogordo, NM. Christopher Cooksey of Tularosa. Kristi Smith and husband Chris of Durham, NC. His grandchildren, Samantha Logan and husband Tony of Austin, TX. Dawnee Ellsworth and husband Jason of Safford, AZ. David Cooksey of Pueblo, CO. Tyler Sullivan of Albuquerque, NM. Celina Sullivan of Albuquerque, NM. His brothers-in-law; Ricky Lumsden of North Carolina, Ralph Montoya and wife Linda of Carlsbad, NM and Michael Montoya and wife Paula of Tularosa. His sisters-in-law; Cathy Montoya of Tularosa and Rose Diaz of Ruidoso Downs. Along with many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and friends.
A Military Honor Ceremony will be performed at Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces, NM on February 5th at 1:30pm.
1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself”
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.
