Asa "Gra" Watson Pulliam

Asa “Gra” Watson Pulliam, age 74, a longtime resident of Ocean Springs, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He was surrounded by his family.

Asa was born June 4, 1947, in Meridian, MS. Asa was a graduate of Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen, MS. He attended Mississippi State University and was a proud Bulldog through thick and thin. Asa earned his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Mississippi. He then went on to graduate from the United States Army War College in 1992. Asa spent 29 years in the US Army reaching the rank of full Colonel. He spent two tours in Germany and one tour in Thailand. He was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Metal, the Viet Nam Service Metal, and the Viet Nam Campaign Metal. Asa loved the military and serving his country. He retired in 1997 and made Ocean Springs his home.

Asa was an active and longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, serving as a deacon and an elder. He was very active in Mississippi Cursillo for many years. Asa married Cynthia Ruth Ludlow on December 21, 1968. They had two children and four grandchildren. He raised his children to be truthful, loyal, and strong with a strong work ethic. Asa loved his family and formed many life-long friendships here on the coast and around the world.

Asa is preceded in death by his parents, Wheeler Watson Pulliam and Nell Wallace Pulliam; and his sister, Nell Laura Pulliam.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Ludlow Pulliam; children, John William Pulliam (Kristi) and Jennifer Lynn Pulliam O’Brien (Mark); four grandchildren, Ian Michael Pulliam, Joshua Luke Pulliam, Airman First Class Brendan Elias O’Brien, and Kaitlin Shea O’Brien; his siblings, Alice Duckett, Wheeler Pulliam (Linda) Mary Nell Pulliam, and John Pulliam (Darlene); and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team of Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Ochsner’s Hospital Main Campus; “The Ladies of Bienville Place”; friends and family at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs; and John, Jennifer, Kristi, Cheri, and Lane for staying day and night.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, 921 Ocean Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or American Diabetes Association, PO Box 70123, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.