John Henry Cullins, Jr.

John Henry Cullins Jr. was born on February 5, 1958, in Anderson, South Carolina, to the late John Henry Cullins Sr. and Virginia Elizabeth Cunningham. Affectionately known as “Junior,” he entered the world with a spirit that could never be quieted and a presence that would never be forgotten.

At the age of 10, Junior was baptized at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, a place that would forever shape his life and spirit. It was there that his lifelong love for music first began. As he grew older, Junior began playing bass guitar at Pleasant Hill, developing the soulful style that would remain with him throughout his life. He was also a self taught pianist and drummer, gifted with a natural ear and deep connection to music. To Junior, music was more than sound. It was expression, comfort, healing, passion, and purpose.

A proud 1977 graduate of Belton Honea Path High School, Junior was a complex man with many talents who was brilliant, artistic, creative, and unforgettable. Beyond music, he was an extraordinary artist whose imagination knew no limits. He drew, painted, crafted sculptures, and created murals that reflected both his creativity and the depth of his spirit. He especially loved painting sunsets, landscapes, and scenes inspired by space and the galaxy. His artwork was admired by many, and over the years his pieces were displayed and sold, allowing others to experience the beauty of his vision and talent.

Junior served his country with honor and distinction for more than 16 years in the United States (US) Army National Guard, US Army, and US Navy. During his military career, he served as a submariner and electrician aboard nuclear vessels, work that demanded intelligence, discipline, courage, and extraordinary precision. He excelled throughout his military service, graduating at the top of numerous training courses and earning recognition as a marksman in military shooting.

Even while serving his country, music remained central to Junior’s identity. While stationed aboard the USS Samuel Gompers, he created and led a Navy band that performed at sea and in California, Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, and Japan. Through music, Junior brought joy, fellowship, and spirit to those around him, leaving a lasting impression everywhere life carried him.

A talented bass guitarist with soul behind every note, Junior played with several bands throughout his life and became known for the emotion and feeling he brought to every performance. His musicianship remains a lasting part of his legacy, including his work as bassist on The Sensational Southern Echoes album and other musical projects that reflected his passion and gift.

Outside of service, music, and art, Junior found peace in the beauty of the world around him. He marveled at the beauty of the galaxy, often finding wonder and inspiration in the vastness of space.
He also loved the beach, the calm of the ocean, and sunsets that lingered long into the evening sky. He was especially drawn to those moments when deep blues and fading crimson blended together into shades of purple stretched across the horizon, creating sunsets that felt both peaceful and heavenly. In many ways, those sunsets mirrored Junior himself: soulful, reflective, creative, complex, and unforgettable.

Among the songs closest to his heart was Purple Rain by Prince, whose depth, emotion, and spirit reflected so much of who Junior was. 

John departed this life on April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, music, artistry, resilience, and love that cannot be measured in words alone. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Latisha Carter; his son in law, McKensey “Corey” Carter; his beloved grandson, David Lewis Byrd III; his cherished granddaughter, Kasidy Lynn Carter; his treasured great grandson, Zylan Lewis Byrd; and his loving sisters, Earline Cullins Harris, Geraldine Cullins Jenkins, and Georgia Ann Cunningham Holmes. He was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Cullins Sr.; his mother, Virginia Elizabeth Cunningham; his beloved sister, Maxine Cullins Lomax; and his baby brother, Norman Cullins.

Junior also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, fellow servicemen, musicians, and all those whose lives were touched by his humor, wisdom, talent, creativity, and unforgettable spirit.

John’s life was not a simple song, but it was his song, played in full, in truth, and in his own time. And like the purple light that lingers after sunset, his memory remains deep, soulful, and impossible to forget.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 in the Ollie Robinson Brown Memorial Chapel of Marcus D. Brown Funeral Home.  The interment with military honors will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held on Thursday from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is at the home of his sister, Geraldine Jenkins, 606 East Orr Street, Anderson, SC.

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