Oscar L Pullium, Sr

Oscar Lee Pulliam Sr. was born November 12, 1937 to the late Ebrow Jerome Sr. and Annie Pearl Pullen in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Oscar was the second of three children born to Ebrow and Annie Pearl. His family migrated early in his childhood to St. Louis, Missouri where Oscar flourished in school and athletics. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1956 and was joined in Holy Matrimony to Muriel Alean Lane the following year. Oscar and Muriel have been married for 64 years and the couple have been blessed with six children. Oscar accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young man and dedicated his life to faithful service. Our Lord walked with him. Oscar’s entire life was dedicated to servanthood. In 1958, he joined the United States Navy and served faithfully for 34 years. He retired in 1987 as Senior Chief Petty Officer, and one of his many letters of commendation states of his service:” Senior Chief Petty Officer Pulliam epitomizes the very best in a Navy Chief Petty Officer. His enthusiasm, and exceptional motivation on all assigned tasks serves as an example for all Navy personnel. His infectious enthusiasm makes him a key man in the enhancement of morale for all members of the unit, and his fair and equitable treatment of all personnel has earned him the respect of all his shipmates. His military appearance, bearing, and demonstrated pride in the Navy uniform are the benchmarks for his subordinates to follow. He is, without exception, the very best Senior Chief Petty Officer this commanding officer has had the opportunity to serve with.” Capt. T.O. Haley. After leaving active service he studied Art and earned Master’s hours in Education from University of Nebraska at Omaha and was a member of UNO’s 1967-68 Central Intercollegiate Conference Championship football team. After graduating he accepted a teaching position at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town where he served as department head for Art, coached Football, Track and Field, and Cross Country. He served for 33 years and never took a sick day. He excelled in service at Boys Town. God placed him in a position to uplift, mold and serve youth. He believed strongly in working with the youth and often painted in front of them. He shared his love of Art and remarked once to a reporter” I try to make sure that every kid learns how to do this…I want them have success.” One former student once wrote: “My Art teacher, Mr. Pulliam was a tremendous role model and mentor for me. He had overcome very difficult odds to achieve success in life, and it was something to which I could relate. I have used the resiliency and perseverance I learned there to help me endure on this journey called life-“ Bill Bryant. Oscar Pulliam’s art has flourished over the years, and he remains to this day a foundational contributor to the Midwest cultural growth. He was a frequent exhibitor in museums and art shows throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. He was appointed to the Public Art Commission for the City of Omaha, recognized by the State of Nebraska Department of Education as an Art Consultant, and was a member of the National Arts Teacher association. Our Lord walked with him and prospered him. Finally, Oscar absolutely delighted in his family cherishing a lifetime of loving moments with his wife, sister, children, and his family in Christ at Keystone Bible Chapel. Oscar Lee Pulliam Sr. went home to be with the Lord on June 17, 2022. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Annie Pearl and Ebrow Pullen, brother Joe Pulliam and sons Oscar Jr and Kirk Lane. He leaves to cherish his memory: Wife of 64 years, Muriel Daughters: Beverly Sabrina Pulliam, Joi King (Willie) Jana Sledge (Ricky) Daughter in Law: Cindy Pulliam, Lirio Pulliam Sons: David Christopher Pulliam Sister: Verlie Ann Hughes (Charles) Grandchildren: Candida Walton (Parnell) Whitney Pulliam, Lauryn Stephens, William King, Jordan Marie King, Alexa Pulliam, Beverly Pulliam, Andrew Pulliam, Bithia Pulliam, Kirk Lane Pulliam Jr. Great Grandchildren: Marquette Dixon, Tariq Douglass, Parnell Walton Jr, Sariah Sledge Host of nieces and nephews and beloved friends.  

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