Francis Robert Cullum

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Celebrating the life of
Francis Robert CullumMay 17, 1921 - January 19, 2008

Francis R. "Frank" Cullum, 86, died January 19, 2008. Frank was born May 17, 1921 in the Old Fort section of Savannah to Ellen Magee Cullum and Francis R. Cullum. He attended Marist School for Boys before enrolling at Benedictine Military School. After his father's death and resulting financial difficulties, he transferred to Savannah High School and was graduated in 1938. In recognition of his continuous affection and support, Frank was awarded a diploma from Benedictine in 1992 and is the only person in the history of either school to have a diploma from both institutions.
While a senior at Savannah High, Frank joined the Savannah Volunteer Guards and served as a cannoneer in the Georgia National Guard until 1940. In 1942 he went on active duty with the U.S. Navy at Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida before serving as flight engineer on navy patrol bombers in the Caribbean and Mediterranean theatres of operation. Frank was in pilot training when discharged in 1945. After discharge, Frank served for many years in the Georgia Air National Guard and attained the rank of Lt. Colonel.
While employed as a claims investigator and adjuster for the Central of Georgia Railway, he married Patricia Ann Cates and the couple have three children: Cathy Belford, Frank, III and John.
Frank studied law under the guidance of Gilbert E. Johnson, Esq. In December 1949, he passed the Georgia State Bar Examination and began a long career in the legal profession. After working for Travelers Insurance Company, he opened a private practice in Savannah in 1952, with emphasis on residential development and construction. These activities eventually led to other business endeavors in insurance Cullum & Company, mortgage loans First Mortgage of Savannah and title searches Donegal Land Title and South Atlantic Title Services.
Frank was instrumental in organizing the Homebuilders Association of Savannah in 1955 and served as its legal counsel for over twenty-five years. For his efforts he was made an honorary life member and inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame. He also served for years on the faculty of John Marshall Law School and holds a Doctor of Law degree from that institution.
Since his retirement from active practice in 1986, Frank served as corporate counsel for Derst Baking Company for twenty years and has been elected to honorary life membership in the Savannah Bar Association. He was a member of the Hibernian Society and asserted that one of his proudest moments was being President of the Society in 1991. In 1965, Frank with the assistance of some close friends, founded the Sinn Fein Society of Savannah, Georgia and served as that organizations first president. Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 5588, honorary member of the Savannah Yacht Club; past member of the Savannah Golf Club, Savannah Inn and Country Club, LaVida Country Club, Savannah Jaycees and Frank served as Commander of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for Savannah.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Cates Cullum of Savannah; two sons and daughters-in-law, Francis R. Cullum, III and Pam Cullum of Savannah; John M. and Jobie Cullum of Tampa, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy C. and W. Lee Belford of Savannah; grandchildren, Will Belford and his wife, Emily of Brooklyn, NY; Francis "Robert" Cullum, IV of Savannah; Patricia Belford of Savannah and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist with The Reverend P. James Costigan, Celebrant.
Burial: Catholic Cemetery.
Remembrances: St. Mary's Home, 2170 E. Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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My condolences to the family. Great man. He was always helpful and friendly in the record room.

- Albert N. Remler III, Carrollton, GA

My sympathies to the family. Frank was a good friend and a great guy. We will miss him dearly. James McCallar McCallar Law Firm

- James McCallar, Savannah, GA

We miss seeing Frank on the golf course. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

- Hoke & Marian Bouchillon, Savannah, GA

John and family members, please accept our condolences; you are in our thoughts and prayers. David

- D. Warhurst, Savannah, GA

I'll never forget the sight of that football sailing over the pine tree in your front yard! What a great Dad you had. My prayers are with you all.

- Leslie Demopoulos Sims, Savannah, GA

Frank and Pam - you all are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember your Dad's quick wit and charm 'I have that effect on all the women' when I fainted in the midst of meeting him for the first time. Love, Saunders and LeeAnn

- Saunders and LeeAnn Aldridge, Savannah, GA

Frank,Pam and Robert...'Big Frank' was to me a dear friend a mentor and a true renaissance man.Of all the memories I have of him those that stand out the most are the times the three of us were fishing,either in the 'Grady' or the North Georgia mountains.He was an inspiration and a blessing in my life.I will miss our long conversations.I would like to leave you with a poem by Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson.I'm sure Big Frank knew it by heart.God bless you all. Everett & Karen Poem lyrics of Crossing The Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For thoâ€™ from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.

- Everett & Karen Owens, Savannah, GA

Dear Frank: I remember your father quite well from coming over to your house in Windsor Forest back in St. James days. He was always kind and friendly to me. Best wishes to you and your family during this time.

- Tom Brennan, Lamoine, ME

Do not mourn Frank's passing--- he had as good a run at the front of the pack as anybody could have asked. Bob Savadge,sr 513 Moon River Court 31406

- Robert Savadge, sr, Savannah 31406, GA

Patty, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

- Barbara Berger @Horst and Co., savannah, GA

Frank.... I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Big Frank. He was a great man and an inspiration to many young people in this community. Sheila and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. I'm sure that Big Frank and Hawkeye are now together and sharing a few laughs about us. I will never forget the talks Big Frank shared with us about his fishing experiences around the Savannah areas. We have lost a great man and a motivator to many, but he is now resting in peace and with the Lord.............. Jackie Johnson

- Jackie Johnson, Savannah, GA