John Burl Hulsey,Sr.

Mr. John Burl Hulsey,Sr. 91 of Gainesville passed away at
his home on Thursday July 16, 2009.

He was a caring, loving husband and father who was devoted
to his family, community and country. He was a descendent
of one of the first pioneer settlers of Hall County. His
great-grandfather, Andrew Jackson Thompson, built the first
covered bridge which is today known as Thompson Bridge.
Mr. Hulsey was the son of the late Claud Hulsey and Yula
Blalock Hulsey, and the grandson of John McAfee Hulsey. He
attended Murrayville and Candler Street Schools and
graduated from Gainesville High School in 1937. He
graduated from North Georgia College in 1939 and attended
the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Kappa
Sigma Fraternity.

Mr. Hulsey was one of fourteen to enter the CPTP (civilian
pilot training program). He volunteered for the United
States Naval Flight Program and trained in Pensacola,
Florida. After receiving his wings, Mr. Hulsey was an
instructor in Pensacola, Fla. and New Orleans, La. until
1942. He reported to the Naval Station in Clinton, OK and
was one of forty-four pilots selected for the most top
secret program, with the exception of the atomic bomb, which
was the development of the first guided missile. Mr. Hulsey
served in the United States Navy on active duty until he was
discharged in 1946. He remained in the Naval Reserve until
1964. He continued to be called upon for ferry war-weary
aircrafts across the country for several years. His
distinguished naval service is housed in the Library of
Congress and in 2008 he was honored on the floor of Congress
for his military service by the Honorable Nathan Deal.

Mr. Hulsey was a member of the First Baptist Church for 62
years. He was a life deacon, a member of the Anglers Sunday
School class, past Sunday School teacher and served as
chairman of the property committee for many years. He was a
life member of the American Legion and life member of the
Elks Club. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans and
the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of the
coffee club at Toriâ