Willis Andrew Pulley

Willis Andrew Pulley, age 76, of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away in the ICU at St. Thomas West on Thursday, August 20th, from complications of a heart attack he suffered on August 7, 2026. He was surrounded in love by his husband, Mike Brown; his sister, Mildred Gregory; his niece, Jean Clark; and his nephew, Richard Callaghan.

Will was born in Russellville, Kentucky, on July 31, 1950, to the late Jesse Pulley and Clyde Brown Pulley. He is also preceded in death by his siblings: Roy Pulley, Jessie JC Pulley, Lillie King, Bobby Pulley, Charlene Hadley, Henry Pulley, and Clyde Charlene Pulley and Edward (Sheila) Pulley of Russellville, Kentucky;

Will is survived by his loving husband, Michael Brown of Brentwood, Tennessee; siblings Thomas (Vanesa) Pulley of Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Mildred Pulley Gregory of Bowling Green, Kentucky; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Will graduated from Warren County High School in 1968. He then studied at Western Kentucky University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He also attended Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, where he earned his Physician Assistant degree, specializing in Internal Medicine and Cardiac Care.

Will spent several years leading the staff in the ICU Cardiac Unit at Baptist Hospital.

After completing his training as a physician assistant, Will served as Director of Clinical Services at the Tennessee Preparatory School in Nashville, serving underprivileged youth. He also worked at West Side Hospital and spent the latter part of his career working for various Home Health Agencies. He was also trained and performed chemical peels and hair transplants for many individuals during his career.

In the mid-1980’s during the HIV/AIDS crisis, Will traveled to San Francisco to study emerging treatments, bringing vital knowledge back to Nashville and regional Kentucky. As an original board member of Nashville CARES and a pioneer in home health care, he worked tirelessly to educate providers, treat patients, and eradicate the disease's stigma.

In 1989, he developed and implemented the 1st Home Health program, which specialized in HIV/AIDS care. This model was copied and implemented in areas of Tennessee and Kentucky.

Alongside his medical career, Will owned and managed real estate, helped run Dealers Choice Motor Company, and proudly owned a couple of Nashville venues, Blue Genes and Vibe, which became safe spaces and a regional hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

Will was a man of immense integrity, courage, and empathy who deeply loved his family, friends, and rescue animals. He leaves behind a legacy captured best by his own guiding philosophy: "It's not what you bought, but what you built. Not what you got, but what you gave. Not what you learned, but what you taught. Not for how many people you know, but for how many will feel a lasting Loss when you're gone."

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from six o'clock in evening until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Covenant of the Cross, 324 Nawakwa Trail, Madison, TN 37115.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Covenant of the Cross, 324 Nawakwa Trail, Madison, TN 37115.

While floral tributes are appreciated, the family suggests making contributions in Will's memory to the Nashville Humane Association or Nashville CARES.