Boykin "Ike" Pulliam's Obituary
Boykin “Ike” Whitmore Pulliam, Sr., age 97, passed on September 23, 2025, less than 90 days before his 98th birthday. Ike’s Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Germantown United Methodist Church. Memorials may be sent to Germantown United Methodist Church, https://www.germantownumc.org (901-754-7216).
Ike, as he was known by his family and friends, was born December 18, 1927, in Hickory Valley, Tennessee (near Grand Junction, Tennessee), to George R. Pulliam, Sr., and Ouida Partridge Pulliam. Ike grew up with four siblings: George R. Pulliam, Jr., Fred Tillman Pulliam, Richard Thomas Pulliam, and Mary Ouida Pulliam Powell. Ike lived to see a lot of changes in his lifetime—he grew up on his family farm, graduated from Grand Junction High School, and later served in the United States Army.
Ike married the love of his life, Helen Louise Cash Pulliam, on July 22, 1951. They were married for 62 years before her passing in 2013. During those 62 years, they enjoyed all of life together. They were especially fond of bowling, bridge, square dancing, and ballroom dancing.
Ike moved to Memphis in 1947 and worked for Orgil Brothers Wholesale Hardware Company, starting on the loading dock and working his way up to Vice President of Operations during his 37 years there. In addition, in 1959, Ike and Helen started Pulliam Nurseries and Landscaping, where, during their 40 years of business, they worked with the University of Tennessee, Clemson University, and the University of California to further the study and research of horticulture. Ike also raised Angus cattle while working at Orgil Brothers and owning and operating the 100-acre Pulliam Nursery.
Ike was a devoted Christian- Originally, he was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church for 40 years from 1957 to 1997, where he served as Chairman of the Board during the Church’s early growth. Ike met Pastor Jack Henton at Aldersgate Church in 1957, and in 1960, Pastor Henton baptized Ike’s son, Whit. Now retired, Pastor Henton is scheduled to take part in Ike’s memorial service. In 1997, Ike joined Germantown United Methodist Church, where he and Helen were members of the Gilbert Sunday School Class. Ike was also a member of the Wednesday Morning Men’s Prayer Group for 25 years. He would often say he loved those “BIRDS,” referring to his friends on the Prayer Team! In recent years, Ike said he narrowed life down to three important things: he loved the LORD, he loved people, and he loved to laugh!
Throughout his active life, Ike was a golfer and later an active member of the Germantown Athletic Club for 24 years, from 1996 to 2020. Ike liked to joke about his walking speed. When he first started on the indoor track, he could walk a mile in about 15 minutes. Over the years, he got that time “down” to 30 minutes, as he liked to say with a grin. His pace earned him the nickname “Bullet” from his friends at the Germantown Athletic Club. The men he lifted weights with jokingly called him “Muscles.” Though Ike wasn’t known for his strength in later years, he was certainly known for his persistence. He stayed physically active throughout his life, exercising daily. As a cancer survivor, Ike often thanked the Lord for each day he was given. He drove until he was 92 and continued walking half a mile a day in his neighborhood until age 95. Even after becoming bedridden, Ike still did arm and leg exercises in bed to keep himself moving.
Ike is survived by his son, Whit Pulliam of Memphis, TN, and his beloved Granddaughter, Brenna Pulliam. Ike was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather and was LOVED and will be forever missed. Ike lived life to the fullest and left a lasting mark on the hearts of those he met in his 97 years. Most importantly, Ike’s sense of humor and his funny stories will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who knew him for years to come whenever they think of him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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