Austin L. "Bud" Hullette

Retired First Sgt. Austin L. "Bud" Hullette, 83, of Morganton, NC passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at his residence. Born in Cleveland County, NC on October 19, 1928, he was the son of the late Audie Lonnie Hullette and Ellen Elizabeth Elmore Hullette. Bud was a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of New Covenant Church of God who was known as a well-respected, gentle man who loved his wife more than life.Mr. Hullette is survived by his wife, Ilan Gallion Hullette of the home; children, Debra Travis and husband, John, of Connelly Springs, Harold Austin "Buddy" Hullette of Morganton, Yvonne Hullette Kennedy and husband, Ron, of Morganton, Janet Hullette and husband, Greg Jones, of Knoxville, TN, and Robert Hullette and fiancée, Misty Mitchell, of Connelly Springs; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Faye Beard of Maiden, NC, Bill Hullette and wife, Joyce, of Connelly Springs, Junior Hullette and wife, Belinda, of Morganton, Gene Hullette and wife, Judy, of Winston-Salem, NC, Marlene Hoots of Maiden, and Faye Lineburger of Maiden; a number of nieces and nephews; special friends, Kathy Grady, Jenelle Gallion, Steve Powell, and Robbie Powell; and a world of friends and admirers.In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Hullette, and his parents, Nora and John "Chub" Gallion.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Bishop Dennis Pitts officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.