Ira Oliver Sullivan, 84, of Dallas County, died Sunday, July 18, 2004.

Services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Chapel of Selma Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Collins of Mobile, officiating. A short graveside service will follow at Pineview Memorial Cemetery with Selma Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty-seven (57) years, Jean Sample Sullivan. He is also survived by his five children, Arthur Sullivan (Claudia) of Hendersonville, Tenn., Kent Sullivan (June) of North Augusta, S. C., Jim Sullivan (Debbie) of Hoover, Teresa S. Collins (Mike) and Connie S. McAfee (Tom) of Selma.. A much loved and devoted grandfather, he is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Maggie Sullivan, Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Lauren Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Taylor Sullivan, Robert Collins and Ashley Sullivan.

Active pallbearers are his five grandsons, Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Robert Collins and close friend, Ray Hollinghead.

Honorary pallbearers are Ray Weeden, Frank Mitchell, Dr. D.C. Overstreet, Bob Austin, Lee Gibbs, Joe Casey, Lamar Casey, Ed Vancil, Ellis Suvin, James McDonald, Wayne Walker, Joe T. Smitherman, Gerald Mooney ad members of Selma Elks Lodge No. 167.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Central Alabama Animal Shelter, American Alzheimer’s Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American Stroke Association.

Mr. Sullivan, a World War II veteran, small business man and life-long Dallas Countian was born February 16, 1929, in the Five Points community (Orrville area) of west Dallas County. Ira graduated from Orrville High School and attended two (2) years of college in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Interrupted by the World War II conflict, Ira promptly enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he obtained the rank of First Lieutenant. Lt. Sullivan spent the majority of his military service as a bombardier in the European theater.

At the conclusion of the war, Ira returned to his native Dallas County. In 1947, Ira Sullivan opened Sullivan’s Super Service Station which he continuously operated for the next fifty-seven (57) years until his death. Ira, a dedicated worker, who rarely missed a day of work, was recognized by his peers, the Alabama Service Station Association, being elected state President on numerous occasions and becoming a two-time recipient of the state “Mr. Service Station of the Year” award. Ira was also dedicated to his community, having proudly served as a board member of the Selma Housing Authority for over a decade.

Although a devoted worker, Ira’s passion was farming and gardening. Using his country roots, Ira proudly displayed a plentiful harvest of tomatoes – generously providing his prized tomatoes to any friend and stranger who graced his presence. Every spring, his home blossomed with the numerous plants and flowers he labored in love to plant.