Willie Ersell McCulloch Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy Helen Chenault and Willie Ersell McCulloch Sr., brother-in-law William Hamilton and his son Scott Hamilton McCulloch.

Willie was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1943. His maternal grandparents helped Helen raise him, while his father served in the Army in World War II. Willie grew up hunting and tracking in his grandfather’s woods. He graduated from Avalon High School in 1961.

At 23, Willie served honorably in the Vietnam War and was heroic in battle, saving many lives by being a skilled point man in his unit, “Tiger Pack” within the 11th Armored Cavalry “Black Horse” near Xuan Loc in South Vietnam. His “Combat Infantry Badge” was his pride and joy.

He attended UT Arlington, McLennan Community College in Waco and then Baylor University. In 1973, he married Mary Hamilton, who was from Harlingen.

Willie was a dedicated father to Gary, Trey and Scott. Willie and Mary had two sons together and their oldest son, Trey McCulloch, served in the Navy. Their youngest son, Scott McCulloch, served in the Army, including over three years in Iraq as a combat medic during the worst part of the conflict in Mosul, Iraq.

Willie’s son, Gary, from an earlier marriage, is a retired air traffic controller in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

In 1979, Willie and Kenneth Balthrop became partners and formed M & B Construction. After ten years they each formed their own companies, but remained lasting friends. In retirement. Willie and Mary loved to travel and went to many National Parks, Hawaii, Alaska and even traveled to Europe.

Willie is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Trey (Athena), and Gary (Tina); his brother David (Vicki); his sister-in-laws Marilyn, Barbara (Peter) and Sally (Mike). He has three grandchildren, Amber, Katelynne and Trevor; and one great-granddaughter, Brooklyn; and many nephews and nieces.

Willie was a unique person: friendly, creative, loyal and kind, who could be gruff when needed. He loved visiting South Padre Island. He loved his friends and family, especially his dedicated wife, Mary, deeply.

The family wishes to thank Brookdale hospice: Dr. Martin, Sharon, Gloria, Kayleigh, Bishop and Armistead. Thanks to Seton Brain and Spine for their care and to the Veterans Administration for their compassion and healthcare by Dr. Argun. His Primary Care physician, Dr. Shekarchi, with ARC, helped us greatly in emergencies. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at St David’s South Austin for Willie’s final loving sendoff.