Thomas Mccullough

Columbus, GA- CPO Thomas E. McCullough, USN, Ret., 88, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013. Born in Jasper County, Mississippi, August 20, 1925, to the late James Albert and Lela McCullough, Thomas enlisted in the United States Navy soon after high school graduation and served proudly for thirty years, including fighting in the Pacific theater during WWII. Later he worked at the Carpet Mill Store for 19 years, retiring as Vice-President and General Manager. Gardening, fishing, and watching the Atlanta Braves were his favorite pastimes in later years. He loved helping people; that often meant applying his skill as a master mechanic to help keep his neighbor's mowers and other equipment running smoothly. He loved spending time with his family, especially sharing his passion for fishing and gardening with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by three sisters, Velma Mills, Alma Baughman, and Thelma McCullough; and also by two brothers, J. S. McCullough and A. Z. McCullough. Survivors include his devoted wife of 66 years, Ruby Lynn; two daughters, Becky Rucker and her husband Mike, Rena Murray and her husband Stan; and one son, Gary McCullough and his wife Jo Farris; two brothers, W. H. McCullough and U. Y. McCullough and his wife Sandra; three grandchildren, Lori Icenhour and her husband Chris, Jodi Rucker McCardle, and Tiel Murray; three great-grandchildren, Brittany Condit, Chandler Condit, Kenley McCardle; and one great-great-grandchild, Brayden Condit. Mr. McCullough is also survived by numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and many caring friends. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 2:00 PM EST at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA. Interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Columbus Hospice House, 7020 Moon Rd., Columbus, GA 31909.