Tully Daniel Blair was born on this day in 1896, in Greensboro. He attended school in Greensboro, and at UNC.
He joined Pilot Life Insurance Company in Greensboro as a supply clerk, and worked his way up in the company.
He came to Winston-Salem in 1932 and became vice president and agency manager of Security Life and Trust Company. He was a pilot, and earned the nickname, “the flying super-salesman,” because he used his skills as a pilot to cover the company’s wide sales territory.
In 1949 he became its president, and was promoted to chairman of the board in 1953. He became both president and chairman of the board in 1955. He was made honorary chairman of the board in 1962.
Tully was recognized as the man who helped transform Security Life and Trust Company into the diversified insurance company that eventually became the Integon Corporation. In December 1979, he participated in the ceremony marking the formal opening of Integon’s new 18-story home office building at Fifth and Spruce Streets.
Tully was one of the principal leaders when Highland Presbyterian Church was organized, and was an active member of the church.
He was a member of Winston Masonic Lodge #167, and was active in the building of the new Masonic Temple on Miller Street.
He was an avid golfer. winning numerous local championships. He passed away in 1980.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
