Alvin M. Cullom, Sr., 74, of Magnolia, passed away, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. He was born November 18, 1943 in Liberty, MS. He was the son of George S. and Nannie L. Travis Cullom. He was a graduate of Magnolia High School where he played football as quarterback and cornerback. He was a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran having the rank of Staff Sergeant and later served in the Mississippi National Guard. He was called to active duty during the 1962 riots at the University of Mississippi. He was a member of the American Legion Post 23 in Watseka, IL. He retired from Illinois Central Railroad with 23 years of service and before his retirement, he was the general foreman that oversaw the cleanup of the train derailment in Livingston Parish, LA. After retiring from the ICRR he started his own business, Southeastern Railway Services, Inc. in Magnolia, in 1986. In 1992, he expanded his business ventures with the opening of Northeastern Illinois Railway Services, Inc. in Iroquois, Illinois and both businesses remain in full operation today. Mr. Cullom was a true businessman and teacher. He taught hazmat chemical and explosives classes at LSU. In 1990 he was chosen as Mississippi's Small Businessman of the Year. He served on the Pike County Economic Development board in 1994 and 1995 and was very instrumental in bringing Sanderson Farms to Pike County. While working was rewarding and fulfilling, he also loved spending time relaxing at his aviation company and most of his time doing what he really loved, operating heavy equipment. He loved building ponds on his farm and just spending time on his equipment if for nothing more than relaxation. He was known for his love of car racing, but decided to retire from that sport in 1972. He was a man that believed in helping people and was always there if you needed something. His favorite quote was, "Winners never quit, and quitters never win."

He is preceded in death by his parents; and six siblings: Richard Marcus, Leon Marcus, Iyneis Sellers, Joseph Marcus, Benjamin Thomas Marcus, and Jerelyn Roberts.

Mr. Cullom is survived by his loving wife, Lillie Faye Yates Cullom of Magnolia; his children and their spouses, Patricia and Mac McKnight of Summit, Alvin, Jr. and Sheila Cullom of Magnolia, David and Bena Cullom of Locke Station, MS, Rebecca Cullom of Magnolia and Brenda and Aaron Burnett of Watseka, IL; two brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Virginia Marcus of Summit and Curtis and Bonnie Cullom of Flowood, MS; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Patsy and John Price of McComb and Sarah Jo and Mickey Morris of Magnolia; ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Wednesday at Bluff Springs Baptist Church, 5027 Magnolia-Progress Road, Magnolia, MS 39652 from 5PM until 9PM and Thursday from 11AM until services at 1PM with Rev. John Alexander officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in honor of Mr. Cullom to The Sallie Astor Burdine Breast Foundation, 541 Shadows Lane, Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (Tax I.D. #59-7800251).

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