Ernest Lynwood McCullough Sr,

Ernest Lynwood McCullough was born March 16, 1934 to the union of Edward A. McCullough and Helen Mae Fowlkes in Texas. Ernest (Lynn, Mac) accepted Christ into his life at an early age under the guidance of his grandfather, Reverend Arthur McCullough, Pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Independence Heights, TX and his father, Reverend Edward McCullough, Pastor of Wyatt Chapel M.B.C. in Prairie View, TX. The McCullough clan lived in Independence Heights, TX, the first Black city incorporated into Houston, TX (in 1928). Lynn's grandfather, Rev. Arthur McCullough, was the third mayor of Independence Heights. His maternal grandfather, John A. Fowlkes, worked as a foreman of the shipyards (channel) and he was called the "bronze mayor" of Houston who served as a community liaison between Black businesses and city officials. To this day, there is a Houston community park, McCullough Park on 38th Street, dedicated to the community activism and spiritual guidance of Rev. Arthur McCullough. With this rich legacy, Ernest, a soft spoken and highly intelligent young man, naturally dedicated his life to promoting the well-being and welfare of many people in his community. At a young age, Ernest developed a strong work ethic. He worked as a golf caddie along with his older brother John Arthur. Lynn also worked as a letter carrier. His father, Ed, purchased a woodwork machine where Lynn developed his carpentry skills to build furniture, hang wallpaper and painting. His younger brother, Morris, followed him everywhere including working at a catering company, Sunny Looks Restaurant & Catering in Houston. At Yates Printing Company, owned by a relative, he learned typesetting and printing. Fast forward several years, Lynn taught his children how to typeset letters, and run a printing press. We were the only children in our classes with our names printed on business cards and stationary. Lynn received his formal education in Texas, where he attended a kindergarten school founded by his mother, Helen "Mama Deet" and Mrs. Booker then Burres Elementary in Independence Heights. He attended Phyllis Wheatley High School (Class of 1952) located in Houston's 5th ward, Texas Southern University (TSU) College of Pharmacy (Class of 1956) located in the 21st ward and classes at Kent College of Law in Chicago. In pharmacy school, Ernest (a member Kappa Alpha Psi) was also a member of several TSU clubs like the Track team (running relays and sprints), the Golf Club, Pharmacy Student Association, Student Chemist Association, and the Debating Team with his famous classmate, the late US Congresswoman from Texas, Barbara Jordan (Phyllis Wheatley High School, class of 1952). In a 5th ward pharmacy, Lynn spent some time as an apprentice working with the late Roxie White, RPh who just happened to be the brother-in-law of a TSU classmate (Lucy). Mr. White was a member of the first TSU College of Pharmacy graduating class. During his college years, Ernest met classmate Lucy Leora Wiltz. They joined in marriage in Houston, TX on November 19, 1955, and from their union came three children, Diana Lynn, Ernest Jr. and Michelle Renee. Upon graduation from pharmacy school, Ernest accepted a job with Walgreens Drug Stores located on east 47th Street in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. He moved his young family up north to Chicago where he continued to live until death. Ernest raised his youngest son, Johnathan, into manhood. Both father and son attended Third Baptist Church until his debilitating health condition impacted his mobility. Mac h eld several positions as a pharmacist, owner, and entrepreneur while practicing pharmacy for nearly 50 years. He worked in several settings and locations, just to name a few, Walgreens, Rexall Drugs, Alberts Pharmacy, Mile Square Health Center, St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Byron's Pediatric Pharmacy and Desai Pharmacy. Affectionately known by Ernest, Mac, Daddy, Pops, Uncle Lynn, "Big Man", Papa, we loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed! On March 29, 2012, Ernest closed his eyes in death. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and his sibling/older brother, John Arthur McCullough. Mr. Ernest Lynwood McCullough Sr. leaves to cherish his memories, his caregiver, Mrs. Lucy Wiltz McCullough; two daughters, Dr. Diana McCullough Ingram and Ms. Michelle Renee McCullough; two sons, Mr. Ernest Lynwood McCullough Jr. (Johadi) and Mr. Johnathan L. Grisby (Leah); two brothers, Rev. Alfred Ronald McCullough (Emelda) and Mr. Morris Benjamin McCullough (Shirley); sister-in-law, Barbara A. Wiltz (Robert Williams); brother-in-law, David C. Wiltz (Delores); grandchildren, Joseph G. W. McCullough, Brian C. McCullough, Jazmine A. Grisby and soon-to-be, Avery Nicole Grisby; great granddaughter, Samaria Gabriella; dear friends, Mr. & Mrs. Porter Robinson and Mrs. Addie Woodward; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ernest Lynwood McCullough Sr,

March 16, 1934 - March 29, 2012