Earl Thomas McCullough

Newport News

On Sunday, June 10, 2012, the Lord poured out his mercies and rescued Earl Thomas McCullough from the difficulties of Parkinson’s Disease that he had battled for many years. Earl was born on February 19, 1928 in Lexington, to Beulah Shaw and James Howard McCullough, Sr. In 1946 he joined the United States Navy serving both in Okinawa and Guam. After his honorable discharge from active duty in 1947, he began work for Newport News Shipbuilding as a pipe welder. Known as “Mac” by his many friends and peers, he continued his work at the shipyard for 42 years until his retirement in 1990. He was an avid golfer, loved growing roses and built beautiful bird houses. He felt blessed spending his Sunday morning worship time with those who would come to Morningside from the World Outreach Worship Center.

Left to cherish his memory are many family members and friends; among them two special nieces, Geni Tounzen Slone of Newport News and Dianne McCullough Howell of Williamsburg. They walked alongside him until the Parkinson’s Disease took away his ability to walk and then pushed his shiny red wheel chair and helped advocate for him to have the best quality of life possible as he fought a courageous fight against Parkinson’s. Their journey with Earl was a gift from God. Through his resilience in living with Parkinson’s, Earl taught them much about living. They are most grateful for the beautiful lessons he taught them about dying.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Eula Dunn McCullough; his parents, his sisters, Mildred Roundtree of Topping and Pauline Wilhelm of Lexington and his brothers, Wilson McCullough of Hagerstown, MD and James H. McCullough, Jr. of Lexington.

Geni and Dianne would like to express their appreciation to his many friends at Morningside Assisted Living for their kindness and care over the past five years. They also give a special thanks for Earl’s steadfast and constant friend and health aide, Eugene Lundy, who cared for Earl each morning of the last 5 years. Eugene was his special friend and Earl appreciated his service and friendship until the very end of his life.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 7-8 PM in the W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 1100 AM in the Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Dorman officiating.

Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.

Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.