Michael Jay Pulliam
June 26, 1973 – Dec. 05, 2021
Michael Jay Pulliam, 48, of Mechanicsville, VA, passed away peacefully on December 5th after a valiant 3-year battle with cancer. Michael was born in Haines City, Florida on June 26, 1973. Growing up, Michael was an “Air Force brat” and travelled the world with his family before making Titusville, Florida their home. There, Michael developed his life long love of water. Boating, fishing, skiing, and hanging out with friends at the beach made Michael the happiest. He never lost that love for the rest of his life. Michael married his soul mate, Trina Shope, on March 17, 2001. Together they raised three amazing sons, eventually moving their family to Mechanicsville, VA in October of 2012. Here, they made so many good friends through community activities and their children’s sports.
Michael was employed as a Data Technician with Miller Electric Company. Michael loved his job, but mostly he loved his co-workers. They brought him countless laughs and offered unwavering support during his battle with cancer. Above all, Michael loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his sons camping, boating, and teaching them all they needed to know as they grew into fine young men. He also enjoyed regaling his family with “dad” jokes. His favorite one being, “Why are indoor aquariums so relaxing? Because of all the indoor-fins” He will be sorely missed by many.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Trina, and sons Thomas Stubbs, Aaron Pulliam, Nick Pulliam and James Thompson. He is also survived by his parents, Bobby and Kay Pulliam of Titusville, Florida and his sister and best friend, Tricia Hazen of Orlando, Florida. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph “Chip” Pulliam. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (Click here to donate).
I can’t believe he’s gone. Three years, with stage four cancer, you’d think we’d all expect it, but no. It feels like he’s going to come up the stairs at any moment, gripe about the yard or the dog crap in the fence, or knowing him, jump out from behind the corner to scare someone walking down the hall.
He was giving and caring in his way. He once was really annoyed that I didn’t ask for his help on something, but I wanted to do it myself so he’d know I could. He helped me buy my boat, the “J” Boat (it’s too small to be John Boat), because I had no idea what I was doing. He walked me through setting up my house for a generator. There’s so much more he did and even more so for TJ, Aaron and Nick.
The drives to NC were so long, five hours down and five up, but I’m going to miss them. I’m going to miss trying to do the yard just right so he doesn’t have to come out and fix it. I’m going to miss game night, well maybe not. I’m so thankful I was able to know him, but even more so that I was a part of his family. He didn’t have to bring me in, but he did. I couldn’t be more thankful.
I remember meeting Mike and Trina at church what 1997/1998. We lived so close to each other. Hung out a lot. Some of the best memories ever! Mike always made us the best Margarita’s. I used to love our get together’s I am so grateful for having your family in my life. I hated that you left but knew you had to do bigger and better thing’s. Our kids date’s and holidays. Ask so special! Our beach day’s were the best. You will be missed and put I hope you are at peace🙏🏼
I cannot come to grips with my cousin Michael’s passing…he’s been important to me since his very birth. I remember where I was—at 10 years old, standing next to a phone booth in Missouri with my parents and Granny, getting details from Bobby on how Michael and his Mom both barely survived his birth. It ended with a big sigh of relief, and our desire to get home from our trip to meet Jay, as they called him when he was little. It was even “Jay Baby” for a while. Fortunately, that faded when he was no longer actually a baby. I’m thinking the transition to Michael and Mike was a good idea overall. But he was always “Michael Jay” to his Mom when he was in trouble.
Michael lived with us for a while when his parents were transitioning back from overseas, and went to the same elementary school I had gone to, and where my Mom was the secretary. We had a lot of fun in those months…at that time our age difference was more significant, but we did good together on the river, in the boat, out in the country. I think that’s what hooked Michael on the water. Later, when Michael was in Orlando, running a lawn service crew and making his first real money, he lived with me and my best friend. We were all working hard trying to make our way, and had a lot of fun together, too.
I was so grateful that Michael took the time to come see my parents, Aunt Gin and Uncle Claude, when he came down to Florida recently. He didn’t say it to me, and I didn’t ask, but I felt like he knew that the race might be about run. I hoped and prayed my gut was wrong. I’ve seen my Dad cry a grand total of twice. The second time was when I called him about Michael.
I’ve said this before, and it’s worth repeating now: I am so very proud of the life you all have made for yourselves. Despite—or maybe even because—of this really rough cancer diagnosis, the 6 of you came together as a family in a meaningful and beautiful way. Michael said it to me repeatedly, that were it not for Trina, he wouldn’t be alive…that was a year ago. And that’s not the half of it, as you’ve been nothing short of amazing, Trina. Strongest person I know. TJ, Aaron and Nick, you already know you got the best from your Dad. It weighed heavily on him that he might not be able to complete the mission, and I feel like he spent the last years grooming you guys to be able to make it without him. And James, I’d say the Pulliams had the best luck in the world in real estate choices…when your neighbor becomes your close family member, with all the good and the tough that goes with it, you are blessed.
So, despite an outcome that none of us wanted at all, I hope you all can take a little comfort in knowing that you played the hand that was dealt in the very best way it could have been played. You guys did more, enjoyed each other more, and clearly appreciated the last three years. It’s a lesson to all of us left here, to be like Mike.
That was beautiful Steve! And very descriptive. I could see everything you’re saying just by your words. He sure will be missed
I met Mike about 8 years ago. Our sons were placed on the same Little League team. Part of me that I rarely talk about is that I stutter and while it may seem like a small thing to some it can be a very tough thing to deal with. I soon found out that Mike was somebody that would understand. I coached Nick and really enjoyed my time with Mike just talking about life. We really never talked about that but I felt a kinship with him because of it. The next year he helped me coach our team. At that time I met the rest of his family and truly found out what a great husband man and Daddy he was. When I found out he had cancer I just could not believe it. I am heartbroken for the family but please rely on all of us for anything that you need we are all here for you.
We are thinking of you Trina and your amazing boys!! He was such an amazing Dad, and even to kids that weren’t his. We had such joy seeing you guys on the baseball field. The warmth and kindness your family has glows all around you. He will be missed and forever remembered.
Heather, Shawn, and Liam
Trina our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Mike was a special man and had a great heart and love for God & his family. I enjoyed being your pastor and friend. With much Love and Prayers,
Pastor Price & Betty.
Trina, I don’t have the words to say how I feel. I truly am sorry for your loss. Mike was a super guy. I know how much you two love each other. You have a beautiful family to show for it. The one thing we can rest assured in is that you’ll see him again. Praise God! I love you. If you. Need anything give me a call or if you just need to talk.
Love,
Cheryl. 321-480-6109
To Mike’s Family,
I was so down when I got the word that Mike had passed. I had met him once face-to-face when I was in Richmond for work. But I worked with him a lot over the years over the phone and email. He was always a great guy to work with. Lots of fun and very dedicated to what he did. May God’s comforting hand lay on all of you and give you peace knowing that Mike is no longer in pain. And the great thing is, we’ll all get to see him again! Blessings to all of you.
Todd Voge
Black Knight