Brad Pulley, a quintessential Virginia gentleman, took the motto of his beloved Rotary Club seriously: Service above self.

When he asked for help for one cause or another - the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, Boys and Girls Clubs and his alma mater, William and Mary, were among his favorites - he did it with such modesty and grace, armed with evidence and gentle persuasion, that his targets couldn't say no.

He was firm, persistent. Not an arm twister. But he had such a generous spirit, approaching people with felt hat in hand, that no one wanted to disappoint him.

On Tuesday, family and friends buried Pulley, who died last week at age 90.

The native of Ivor, who had waited tables at William and Mary's dining hall and won an award at graduation for exhibiting the highest standards of character, scholarship and leadership, showed those qualities all his life. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II and the Korean War. He set about building a successful insurance practice. With his wife, he raised three children and, in his courtly fashion, built a legacy of improving Hampton Roads.

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, the Virginia Aquarium, Tidewater Community College, United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and First Presbyterian Church all benefited from his civic gifts.

Pulley never sought or expected recognition for his efforts. He consented to being honored as First Citizen and King Neptune only because his discomfort would enrich some worthy cause.

Brad Pulley will be remembered in Virginia Beach for inviting his fellow citizens to show the better angels of their nature.