Thomas Lee Pullum

Thomas Pullum entered into glory on March 27, 2025 in Antioch, California, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Oakland, California on January 5, 1948, to proud parents, Issach and LeeAnna Pullum.

He was raised in Oakland with 12 siblings; brothers, James Lee, Isaac, Frank, Ronnie, John, Eugene (Bo), and Elton; sisters, Sarah, Lacey, LeAnna, Linda and Joyce.

Tommy, as he was affectionately known, was a fun-loving, sharp dresser, who was passionate about many things. He was a pinochle pro, often hosting pinochle parties and even wrote a book about the game. His entrepreneurial spirit and creativity was in constant motion, fueling multiple business ventures and a screenplay about his grandfather Joseph Pullum’s life. His love of nature led him to a career as a park ranger for the East Bay Regional Park District and a groundskeeper for Alameda County and Mountain View Cemetery. As a big-hearted, eternal optimist, he was known for saying, “God first, then others, then me.” He voiced his affection for family and friends openly and often and could make a friend anywhere. He was always the first to step up to host and organize family get-togethers, acting as head cook and baking sweets. He savored the time he spent with his grandchildren and his laugh was contagious. You didn’t have to know Tommy very long to understand this about him. Even his doctor remarked on how memorable his smile was and how positive his spirits remained throughout his battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his dear wife of 59 years, Sylvia Pullum; his daughter Tisha and son James; grandchildren Michael, Jonathan, James, Jamoni, Liana, Montanea, Isaiah, Janye, and Jamil; great grandchildren, James, Jaseer, Kruz, Ameeah, and Saint. His legacy of honoring God, loving his family, building community, and caring for the land will always be remembered.

Special acknowledgements: John Pullum and Nanette Gage; Active pallbearers: Jimmy Pullum Sr., Jimmy Pullum Jr., Isaiah Pullum, Michael Mortara, Marcelus Thomas, Johnny Mitchell, Ronnie Pullum, Antoine Pullum, Alton Pullum, Daejuan Fritz, Maurice Pruitt Pullum, Jerome Gage, Tommy Pullum; Honorary pallbearers: Issac Pullum, Eugene Pullum, John Pullum, Jamoni Pullum, Lonnie Williams, Frank Pullum, Ernie Johnson, Willie Neal, Willie Harris, and Jonathan Mortara.

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