Neil McCullough

Neil Wallace McCullough, age 89, passed away Thursday evening, May 19, 2016, at his home in Mt. Airy, Georgia. Neil was born in Manistique, Michigan on March 25, 1927. He had an extensive military career and settled in North Georgia upon his retirement. He acquired a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. While serving in the Air Force, he was instrumental in the testing of the atomic bomb and the maintenance of the intercontinental ballistic missile system. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II as a crash boat pilot, and many years later was part of the crew that launched the Apollo 13.

Although Neil made a great contribution to his country during his long military career, perhaps his greatest contribution was to those who knew him. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand and share his resources and wisdom with family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. He had the knack of cutting down a tree and having it fall exactly where he planned. Neil loved to travel, continued to drive cross-country to visit family and friends, and enjoyed cruises and reminiscing with old military friends. He left an indelible mark on the life of a countless number of people. His passing is a tremendous loss to those who knew and loved him.

Neil is predeceased by his parents, William Wallace McCullough and Anna Irene Carlson McCullough; sister Irene Helen Adams; beloved wife, Ruby Lee Hodge McCullough; three grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. His is survived by one step-son, James Cushing, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania; two step-daughters, Mary Lee Cicero, of Hiawassee, Georgia and Sylvia Jean Godfrey, of Summerville, South Carolina; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Cochran Funeral Home, 177 Street, Hiawassee, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 28th, at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow immediately after, with Col. Donald G. Smith (USAF, Ret.) officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hills Memory Gardens, in Hiawassee, with Full Military Honors presented by the United States Air Force.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family on the Cochran Funeral Home website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com