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On Monday, February 17th, 2020, Charles “Craig” Pulliam, beloved father, brother, uncle, pup-grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 71. Craig was born in Rockville Center, NY on August 1, 1948. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and later moved to Denver, Colorado. He then went on to settle in Brandon, Florida to live out his dream career in aviation.

Craig was a patriot and served his country proudly in the Navy.  He had a passion for anything aviation, teaching many to fly during his time as Chief Pilot at Peter O’ Knight airport and flying privately for some. He was a proud member of an exclusive club of pilots to have safely landed an airplane on an interstate, notably during rush hour. He had an uncanny ability to look into the sky and name anything made of metal flying overhead. He had an artistic side; playing the piano since he was a boy and trying his hand at different styles of painting. He was also a huge animal lover and a firm believer in the therapeutic nature of animals. Craig was known for his charm, wonderful sense of humor, quick-wit with top notch banter, his ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face, and his caring and lovable nature.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother and father, Esther and Charles, sister Judy, and brother Victor. He is survived by his three children Ryan, Ashleigh, and Jennifer, his brother Brent and sister Sarah, several cherished nieces and nephews, and his granddogs (and cat), whom he loved dearly.

10 Comments

  • Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    Thank you for the dear everlasting memories, thank you for always treating me as your own, thank you for always having a quick comment or smart joke at the drop of a hat, thank you for never getting onto us teenage girls as we never spared you gray hairs and would maybe occasionally add water to your brandy bottle when it mysteriously would be empty, thank you for all the long talks on the many porches throughout the years (while you enjoyed a cigar or an American Spirit cigarette) smiling, whole while giving me hell pops (the most hilarious conversations and quick comebacks) always with Chewy, Rocky or Bhodie under your feet. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your beautiful daughter. Thank you for all the love you gave freely. I love you Pops. -Lisey

  • Elise Scott
    Posted February 22, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Thank you for the dear everlasting memories, thank you for always treating me as your own, thank you for always having a quick comment or smart joke at the drop of a hat, thank you for never getting onto us teenage girls as we never spared you gray hairs and would maybe occasionally add water to your brandy bottle when it mysteriously would be empty, thank you for all the long talks on the many porches throughout the years (while you enjoyed a cigar or an American Spirit cigarette) smiling, whole while giving me hell pops (the most hilarious conversations and quick comebacks) always with Chewy, Rocky or Bhodie under your feet. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your beautiful daughter. Thank you for all the love you gave freely. I love you Pops. -Lisey

  • Cap'n Dave Young
    Posted February 23, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    I’ve had the honor and privilege to know Craig very well indeed since we met at “Peter’O” airport approximately 2002. I flew a King Air in there a couple times a month and he was resident KTPF Flight Instructor, Chief Pilot, madcap genius, erudite wit and raconteur extraordinaire. We soon clicked wonderfully; and on dozens of occasions I’d overnight and he’d host me at locations throughout Ybor City and the Tampa environs. Craig had extremely broad and eclectic interests from food to whiskey to aviation to politics; and we never had a dull moment. I also noticed he was widely admired and sought-after at that airport for his depth and breadth (and passion) for numerous topics… but most especially aviation. I watched him mentor many a young-pup aviator or Flight Instructor over the decade or so we cavorted, and I admired his skill at flying and also his talent for teaching. Many a night we’d patronized some semi-high-class eatery in Ybor or South Howard …and we’d end up most evenings at some pleasant watering hole… always with wide-ranging and spirited discussions on our shared interests, fueled with great wine, cigars, and laughter. Often we’d end up back at his apartment where I’d usually end up sleeping on the sofa with his stinky-ass dog and a hangover. He was very proud of his wonderful son Ryan and daughter Ashleigh, and I had the privilege of spending time with both of them as well. Craig was very funny, he was very interesting, and he was always gentleman. God, I’ll miss Craig Pulliam.

    • Ryan Pulliam
      Posted February 28, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Captain Dave, Will you be able to make it to his Celebration of Life? Would be great to shake your hand, throw one back, and share some stories. Hope you’re well.

  • Anonymous
    Posted February 28, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    I remember Craig from Boy Scouts (troop #66) and shared a lean to shed at the Osceola scout camp with hm and Bill Hodgesona for a week and needless to say we had fun! A person you don’t forget,and I was glad to dicover him on Facebook a few years back,sorry I didn’t get to meet up again. My Condolences to the family.

  • Merrill w. (Dub) Day
    Posted February 28, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    I remember Craig from Boy Scouts (troop #66) and shared a lean to shed at the Osceola scout camp with hm and Bill Hodgesona for a week and needless to say we had fun! A person you don’t forget,and I was glad to dicover him on Facebook a few years back,sorry I didn’t get to meet up again. My Condolences to the family.

  • Lee Maybaum, Colonel, USAF (ret)
    Posted February 28, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    I was a Facebook friend of Craig’s and genuinely enjoyed our “quip exchanges” of Officer versus Enlisted, Air Force versus Navy and total agreement on the need to kill the PC movement once and for all. I missed him this past year as he posted less frequently depriving me of a chance to make a smart-ass remark and prepare myself for the fusillade I was sure to get in return. I am sorry we never met in person; he was a delight on Facebook.

  • Wayne Childers
    Posted March 7, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    Thank you Craig for the memories at Peter O Knight. You always had a smile on your face. God Bless you and you are in my prayers my friend.

  • John Callaghan
    Posted March 9, 2020 at 7:30 am

    I’m very sorry to have found out belatedly about Craig’s passing, I would have loved to attend the celebration of his life.
    I’m deeply saddened by his passing, he was a wonderful guy to know.
    He flew me many times in and out of Peter O’Knight to various places in Florida for work.
    Always in a good mood, always ready with some wit and banter and always in complete control of the aircraft.
    I was supposed to be on the plane the day he landed on the interstate!
    On another occasion we were coming in to land at Peter O’Knight when one of the landing gear tyres burst. The plane immediately started to careen across the runway, Craig fought with the controls and keep us out of the grass as we slowly came to a halt amidst the stench of burning rubber.
    He looked back from his pilot seat, smiling at us and as casual as you like says, “Well that was fun”.
    In the UK it’s was what we call “A brown trouser moment!” But not Craig he was as cool a cucumber. It’s still one of the scarriest moments of my life.

    I’m very sorry I could not be there Saturday I would have liked to toast him with you all and to pay my respects to his family. I know he was immensely proud of his children.

    God bless you all my deepest condolences for your loss, he was most certainly one of life’s great characters, I am very grateful to have known him.

    Fly in Peace Craig, thank you for so many great memories, you will be sorely missed by me and by all who knew you.

  • R.
    Posted March 17, 2020 at 3:57 am

    Thank you

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