of Phoenix, AZ

October 19, 1934 - February 23, 2025

Willie Gene Cullum ''Gene'', was born in England, Arkansas on October 19, 1934, and passed away on February 23, 2025, at the age of 90. Gene grew up in rural Arkansas. His family moved to various towns in Arkansas and Missouri. In December 1951, his family settled in Roland, Arkansas where he helped his father with share cropping which often meant he couldn't attend school.

At 18 years of age, Gene joined the US Air Force. Following basic training, he was stationed overseas in England. After retiring from the Air Force, Gene moved to Arizona, got married and had four children. He continued in the Civil Service and Air National Guard Reserves. After 40 plus years of service, he retired as a Sr. Master Sargeant and eventually returned to Arkansas.

Gene was a talented man; he built room additions, fixed cars, lawn equipment and remodeled bathrooms. He eventually built his own home in Arkansas with the help of his brother, Larry.

Gene took extreme pride in his home. He had one of the most beautiful and picturesque properties in the area. He enjoyed mowing, trimming trees and maintaining his home and property. He helped numerous neighbors and never expected anything in return. Gene was kind and generous and was always there for anyone that needed a hand. Gene was loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his three children, Michael Cullum, Kathern Murphy and Joel Cullum; three sisters, Dorothy Kennemur, Laveda F. Elam, and Kaye Miller; two brothers, Larry L. Cullum and Kenneth R. Cullum; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Redman Cullum and Ethel Mae Bradford; one son, John P. Cullum; two brothers, Henry Eugene Cullum and Jimmy E. Cullum; one grandson, Sean Cullum and one great-grandchild, Isaiah Cullum.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Natural Steps Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Kennerly Cemetery in Roland.

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