(Updated 10/23/20)
The Rev. Anthony McCullum, pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church near Petal, got his faith from the strength of his mother, Zannie Lee.
McCullum’s family moved to Petal in 1971 when he was almost six years old. His father, James Sr., passed away in 1971, so Zannie Lee became the backbone of her five children. McCullum grew up in Petal behind his mother’s teachings.
“She did an outstanding job,” the 54-year-old said. “My mom did a wonderful job with all of our kids and all have been able to do some remarkable things in life. We're very grateful to her.”
McCullum, a 1984 Petal High School graduate, carried his learning and leadership to receive the Petal School District’s 2020 recipient of the “Champion of the Year Award” by the Education Foundation.
McCullum will be honored during the school’s homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 30, and at a reception before the game that evening. McCullum will receive a plaque during the game’s festivities.
As a former official at the Petal Education Foundation, McCullum knows the importance of the “Champion of the Year Award.” However, he doesn’t try to win trophies.
“For me, it's a big honor,” he said, “within our city, within the community that I pastor, again, I'm honored being a former Petal High School graduate. My heart has never been to receive awards; it's always just do what's right by the community and do all I can to help it to be better.”
McCullum’s mother made her son humble as he grew up.
“My upbringing, I think, has made it very good to be in Petal,” he said. “I say my mom was the greatest influence in my life that raised me to be the person I am. She instilled in me some good values, to love God and love people. And I think I've tried for all of my life to give that back to this community that I love.”
McCullum has preached and looked after his children and grandchildren.
“God's been good to me and continues to be,” he said in a telephone interview. “You hear that horn? That's my granddaughter here, sitting in my lap very active at two years old. So, I look up now and have grandkids that will soon be coming through our public school district. So, my grandkids are being taught the things of God before they even get to the Petal schools. So I know we're putting some good things inside of them.”
McCullum – a resident, past business owner, and local restaurant manager – has served the Petal community for more than 30 years, contributing his heart to bring about continuity and service. He has supported the community and school district in numerous ways monetarily and with sponsored events.
Through the years, he has helped several youth sports teams, including baseball and basketball and also headed the Petal Youth Sports Association Basketball Program. He coached many teams and affected kids’ lives that are still resounding until the present day.
McCullum is a 2007 graduate of Rhema Bible College, and he attended William Carey University and Jones County Junior College. While at Petal, he was a member of the PHS basketball team and the band. He has spent years of being the Petal School District Parent-School Liaison, where his commitment there was just as impressive to parents and the district.
He is an annual donor with his wife, Tonya, to the Petal Education Foundation to sponsor the “Making Strides” Scholarship to a high school senior with an immediate family member with a debilitating disease.
McCullum has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service in the community, pastoral duties and job duties even while assisting his wife with daily physical challenges. His affiliations and service to the community include: Former board member of the Petal Education Foundation, Petal School District Strategic Planning Committee, Petal Excel by 5, Petal Youth Sports Association, volunteer to SMCI for 27 years, Center for Children and Families Board Member, former Petal Chamber of Commerce member, Area Development Ambassador, United Way Board Member and Funds Distribution Committee member, Bancorp South Community Development Board Member, PYSA Basketball Director/Coach, Mississippi State Extension Program Board Member, FCA Board Member and counsel to USM athletes.
Anthony and his wife have three children: Ashley McCullum, Matthew “Ni’Queria” McCullum, and Michael McCullum. Anthony and Tonya have three grandchildren, Malachi, Zainey, and Xayden.