Willie Joe McCullough

Born on June 18, 1943 in Cherokee County, Willie Joe was the sixth child of 13 children born to J. D. “Jake” McCullough and Johnnie Lee Stewart. Brothers Franklin McCullough, Leon McCullough and Sisters Dora Tutt, Faye Watson, Genevieve Martin, Alleen “Ruby” Johnson, and grandson, Titus Pendleton. All of whom preceded WIllie in death.

Willie accepted Christ at an early age when he united with the Sweet Union Baptist Church in Jacksonville, TX. As an adult, Willie joined and worshipped with the Spring Creek Baptist Church in Tyler, TX. Whether in church or in private, Willie continued his fellowship with his Lord until his death.

As a boy, Willie attended Jacksonville Schools, graduating from Fred Douglass High School in 1961. In response to the draft, Willie was called into active duty, by the United States Army. Stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, Willie proudly served the country from 1965 until 1967. While deployed, he worked as a field wireman, kicking off his interest in the power industry. While enlisted, Willie received the National Defense Service Medal and was recognized as an “Expert” level gunman with a rifle. Willie continued his service to America in the Army Reserve Corp until 1971 when he received an honorable discharge.

Married from 1967 to 1977, Willie and Versie L. Ray from Troup Texas raised 2 beautiful girls, Monica Jocelin and Winifred Carol. In 1983, Willie united with Rubie Jewell Richardson (Isabell) in Holy Matrimony. Shortly before his death, Willie and Rubie celebrated 37 years of marriage, love and companionship on July 23, 2020.

Willie retired from Oncor Electric (formerly TP&L and TXU) after 34 years of invaluable service. Willie took great pride in the work he did. Willie repaired transmission substations all of over East Texas. A significant portion of his work included the Martin Lake Plant. While at Oncor, he worked dutifully in various roles, lastly as a Patrolman. Prior to joining Oncor, Willie worked the at Coca Cola Company and Western Foundry.

He enjoyed his work, tinkering with old cars in his spare time and barbequing for friends and family and singing Gospel music. In his younger days, Willie sang with a quartet for short time. Any day of the week, you would see Willie walking around the house and hear him singing gospel songs.

Even with his tall stature, Willie had a gentle soul. Willie always had a big smile to share with all that he met. Willie took great joy in getting to know his neighbors and pride in being a neighborhood resource. Neighbors dubbed him the “Mayor” of Indian Creek Drive (his street).

Willie’s family and closest friends had many nicknames for him, including “Smooth”, “Joe”, “PopPop”, “PaPa”, “PaPa Joe” and “Hee-Haw”. Willie’s spirit, sense of humor and jovial nature will be dearly missed. True to his nature, Willie calmly and quietly departed this life on August 18, 2020 while in Rubie’s embrace.

Left to cherish Willie’s memory and carry forward his legacy include his Wife: Rubie J. McCullough, Tyler TX, Daughters Monica Pendleton (Marcus) Crowley TX; Winifred McCullough Tyler TX and Melanie Allen (Calvin) Bryn Mawr PA. Grandchildren: Kebrina McCullough Tyler TX, Tre’Oshula McCullough Euless TX, Trinitee Pendleton Crowley TX, Joshua Allen and Noelle Allen Bryn Mawr, PA. Brothers: Wilfred (Tammie) McCullough, Wilburn McCullough, and Paige McCullough Jacksonville TX. Sisters: Barbara Pierce and Darlynn Henderson, Jacksonville TX, Glenda McCullough Killeen TX. And many, very special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.