Perry DeWayne “Wayne” McCullum Sr. was called home Friday, January 25, 2019. Wayne was born September 5, 1947 in Fernwood, Mississippi to Emma Patterson. He was the oldest of six children. He graduated in 1967 from Ava Gardner High School, McComb, Mississippi. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam as a civil engineer. He served four years and was honorably discharged.
Wayne worked as a laborer for Chrylser for 30 years before retiring. Upon retiring, he enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife, Shirley (Brown). Wayne and Shirley joined in holy matrimony on April 23, 1994, and were married for 24 years. Wayne was an avid sports fan and a big Colts and Pacers fan. He enjoyed spending time at the ballpark watching his grandkids, who affectionately called him Paw Paw.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley McCullum; his five children, Perry (Carla) McCullum Jr. of Kokomo, Indiana; Michael Stewart of Sarasota, Florida; Tyra (Tohonn) Young of Indianapolis, Indiana; Jacqueline (Antoine) Johnson of Kokomo, Indiana; Shauna (Lawrence) Yarbrough of Syracuse, Utah; 21 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, James (Janeen) Patterson of Kokomo, Indiana; Danny (Fran) Patterson of Kokomo, Indiana; Regina Ellis of Dayton, Ohio; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife, Deborah McCullum, son, Reginald McCullum, daughter, Natasha McCullum, father, James Patterson, mother, Emma Patterson, sister, Betty McKelvin, and brother, Ricky Patterson.
There will be a public visitation for Wayne held at Strait Gate Ministry Church (312 E. North St., Kokomo, Indiana 46901) on Saturday, February 2nd from 11-1, with a funeral service immediately following.
