Adam Clayton Cullum

Adam Clayton Cullum, 36, of Lexington County, SC, passed to Life Triumphant on September 4, 2018.  Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, he was the only son of Tim and Rachel Cullum, brother of Amanda and her husband, Joey Wells, and uncle to Zeke, Evie, John, Jesse, Reuben, Alma, Stephen, and Jimmy Wells, all of Ridgeway, SC.

Adam was buried in the family burial plot at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 6, with services conducted by Rev. Paul Stern of the C. S. Lewis Center at USC. As Adam’s body was lowered into the ground, the family sang hymns. A cool breeze refreshed the family as they departed the cemetery, a reminder that God, as always, is present and is faithful to sustain Adam’s loved ones in this time of sorrow and great loss.

At 4 p.m. that same day, a funeral service for Adam was held in his beloved church, Suber Marshall Methodist, with Rev. Reggie Rowell bringing the Gospel message to believers and non-believers alike.  

A 2000 graduate of Lexington High School, Adam graduated from the University of SC in 2004. Adam was known for his sweet smile, musical talent, writing ability, generosity, and kindness to all with whom he came into contact. He was a man who battled the forces of his personal darkness by writing and playing music. He played in local music venues and bars, but was happiest playing in the church he served as pianist, Suber Marshall Methodist in Columbia, for eight years. He noted in a journal that he served there the number of years corresponding to the number of children his sister and brother in law have. Following his departure from Suber Marshall, he was pianist at Salem Methodist in Chapin for about 9 months. At the time of his death, Adam was also employed by the USC School of Ballet as accompanist for ballet classes.

Adam enjoyed working outdoors, creating beauty in nature. As a high schooler, he once cut the words, “I love you” in the grass with the lawnmower in the family’s front yard. Adam loved children and worked as a camp counselor summers during college. He had a heart for “the least of these,” evident by his many works of mercy. He could be found strumming comforting music on his guitar at the bedside of his grandmother as her health declined, playing and singing music in nursing homes, teaching aspiring musicians for free, working with autistic children, reading to his nephews and nieces, bringing M&Ms to his mother when he made a surprise visit home, driving the tractor and helping his father at their tree farm. He cared very little for material goods, save his well worn piano, guitars, accordion, his writings, his books, and his vast collection of music.

“Jesus said, I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall  he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25, 26.

The family has requested that memorials be made to a life giving ministry, A Moment of Hope, P.O. Box 12684, Columbia, SC 29211.

Pope Funeral Home is assisted the Cullum family. 

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