Ocie McCullough

Ocie Barnett McCullough (born January 15, 1901 in Ashville; died October 19, 1972 in Tarrant) was owner of Tarrant Western Auto and three-term Mayor of Tarrant from 1960 to 1972.

McCullough, the son of James and Telitha Box McCullough, graduated from Oneonta High School and worked for the Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad Co. and the Liberty National Life Insurance Co.. He moved to Tarrant to start his business in 1923. He was elected to the Tarrant City Council in 1940, and challenged 4-term incumbent Bud Erwin in the 1960 election. He took 761 votes to Erwin's 517 to win outright. Drug store owner John Whitley took 220 votes.

McCullough was a steward and Sunday School teacher at Rock Methodist Church. He and his wife, the former Clara Bynum, were married in 1923 and had two daughters.

McCullough did not run for a 4th term in the 1972 election. He died that October at his home at 1628 Wharton Avenue. He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Preceded by: Bud Erwin

Mayor of Tarrant 1960–1972

Succeeded by: D. Evan Veal

References

• Jones, James (May 11, 1960) "Tarrant Elects McCullough Mayor." Birmingham Post-Herald, p. 1
• "Ex-mayor McCullough of Tarrant succumbs." (October 20, 1972) The Birmingham News, p. 43