Nellie Ruth Smith Gullion

Nellie Ruth (Smith) Gullion passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 15, 2025 at Shepherd's Cove Hospice in Albertville, AL at age 86. Nellie was born January 23, 1939 in Arab, AL to parents Claud and Clara Smith. Her father and grandfather owned the first gas station in Arab and later an ice company, cafe, and construction business. Nellie is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Gerald G. Gullion, son-in-law - Steven L. Atchley, sister - Louise Smith Traylor, and brother - Bobby Joe Smith. Nellie is survived by her daughter - Sherry G. Atchley, her two grandsons - Kevin and Benjamin Atchley, sister - Margaret Conley (Larry), and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Nellie worked as a civilian contractor on Redstone Arsenal for nearly 30 years before retiring early to spend more time with her grandchildren. Nellie adored the color pink and enjoyed simple pleasures in life like word searches, watching Hallmark moves and gameshows like the Price is Right, and mowing on her John Deere. She was a “card shark” at playing the game of Rook. She loved Alabama Crimson Tide football and Atlanta Braves baseball. She attended Resurrection Baptist Church in Somerville, AL where her brother-in-Law, Larry Conley, is pastor. Above all, she loved her family with all her heart and loved nothing more than making sure everyone was taken care of. Anyone that knew her will tell you she liked structure, routine, and order. If there ever was a laundry folding contest, Nellie would certainly win! She took pride in keeping a meticulous home and truly enjoyed keeping order in her life. If you were ever at her house, you could count on having a warm blanket and some “good ‘ol food” as she would say. You couldn’t ask for someone to care more about her family than Nellie did. She had an enormous opus of friends that loved her dearly. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed. Services for Nellie will be Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, Alabama. The family will receive friends and guests for a visitation beginning at 2:00 until the funeral service begins at 3:00 pm. Brother Larry Conley and Brother Randy L. Blakely will be officiating. Interment will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery. *In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made on behalf of Nellie to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Nellie Ruth Smith Gullion

January 23, 1939 - August 15, 2025