Eugene A McCallum

EUGENE ARISE McCALLUM, SR., was born on July 19, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Jason and Pearline McCallum. Born into Christian hood within the Nazarene Baptist Church where his father was the Assistant Pastor, Eugene came from a generation whose tradition it was to worship and work in the name of the Lord. He received his formal education through the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1969, he graduated from Samuel Gumphry’s High school where he excelled academically.In 1974, Eugene was joined in holy matrimony to Roslyn Ann Johnson and from this union they were blessed with two children.Because Eugene never let any grass grow under his feet, his employment career was exciting and fulfilling. He retired form H.G. Roebuck & Son after more than twenty years of service. He dabbled in all sorts of home repairs, including plumbing and electrical work. He could lay down floors, put up walls and could even build a house if you stayed out of his way. Even after her retired, he continued to work hard for friends and family, providing his carpentry expertise.In 1984, Eugene met Deborah Ann Johnson who shared his passion for music, watching a good western movie, and most importantly the company of friends. Whether it was a trip to Atlantic City of playing spades at the dining room table, Eugene was always ready to share in a good time. It was not uncommon to see him sitting outside on the steps, mingling with his closest friends. Family would visit daily just to “shoot the breeze” with him. This was the normal life for the “McCallum Family”, always watching out for loved ones. He was father figure to the neighborhood children and was known for fixing their bikes. Everybody knew “Gene”. As a matter of fact, he had a number of nicknames. When you heard or saw the red Camaro, you knew it was “Speedy” coming. I think he believed that in order for the car to move at all that he had to push the peddle through the floor. He was also known as “Hootie” to family and friends, a name that was given to him by his Aunt Janine.Eugene was a people magnet. Simultaneously fun-loving and hard working, and a happy-go-lucky prankster and joke teller, he spead sunshine wherever he went. He was a very sharp dresser and would not go anywhere without looking his best. He cherished his family and spoiled his children immensely. He held a special affection for his many buddies with whom he told jokes, played spades and worked with for over twenty-five years.

Tributes

Eugene A McCallum

July 19, 1951 - September 3, 2006