Will Rogers Cullins

Will Rogers Cullins, 86, of Apex, North Carolina, entered his eternal rest on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Born on May 1st, 1939, in Como, Hertford County, North Carolina, Will lived a long and faithful life marked by service, generosity, and a steady devotion to the people and causes he loved.

Will graduated from Murfreesboro High School in 1956 and immediately answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant over the course of 20 years of honorable and dedicated service. His commitment to duty, discipline, and integrity shaped not only his military career but the way he lived every day of his life.

After retiring from active duty, Will continued to serve his community as an Administration Clerk for the State of North Carolina. For an additional 20 years, he worked in the nursing office at Central Prison, providing care, structure, and protection with the same steady resolve that characterized his military years.

Will was a dedicated and active member of Swift Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and participated in the Brotherhood ministry. He took great joy in leading the church’s Operation Christmas Child efforts. His passion for missions and his desire to help children around the world showcased his deep compassion and generous spirit.

He was also a proud member of the Mt. Olivet Hunting Club, where he enjoyed fellowship and time outdoors. Will had a lifelong passion for gardening, delighting in growing crops and sharing the harvest with family, friends, and neighbors. He also loved riding and caring for his horses, finding peace and purpose in the simple rhythms of life.

Perhaps nothing brought Will more joy than Christmas. For more than 20 years, he dressed as Santa Claus, bringing laughter, wonder, and delight to countless children. His warm smile, gentle presence, and genuine love for people made him a natural bearer of Christmas cheer.

Will is preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Mary Hedgepeth Cullins. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynne Penny Cullins; his son, Chester John Cullins; and his daughter, Virginia Faye Cullins.

Those who knew Will Roger Cullins will remember him most for his simple, true, steady, and faithful ways—a man who lived quietly but left a profound impact on every life he touched.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at Swift Creek Baptist Church, 9300 Penny Road, Raleigh, NC 27606. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place afterward in the Swift Creek Baptist Church cemetery.