Joseph E. McCullough

Joseph Earl McCullough, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at the Lakeview Nursing Center.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Julia Holdeman McCullough; six children, Rick (Fabienne), Jerry, Jean (Gary) McLeod, Alan (Lori), Steve (Jennifer) and Don; nine grandchildren, Christopher, Ashley (Howard) Stark, Matt (Catie), Julie (Jeff) Wiseman, Garrett (Stephanie), Melanie, Crystal, Kyle and Gabriel; and one great-grandchild, Wyatt. Joe also leaves a very special sister-in-law, Hazel Holdeman, and many close friends and extended family.
Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Charles, and his sister, Betty.
Born and raised in Key West, FL, Joe was the son of Perry and Faye (Roberts) McCullough. He joined the US Air Force in 1948 and met Julia while stationed at Keesler AFB. They were married in 1950 in Pass Christian, MS, in a double ceremony that also included Bill Hastings and Julia's sister, Thelma. Joe served in the Air Force until his retirement in 1969.
Joe was a joyful spirit and often times the life of the party. He loved family, friends, music, card games and dancing. He was a natural storyteller and generous to a fault, helping others wherever he could. Joe's easy smile and ready laugh will be missed by many. The family would like to especially thank the staff of Gulfport Memorial Hospital and Lakeview Nursing Center for the loving care they provided.
A viewing will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. A brief military ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 29, 2016, at the Biloxi VA National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Air Force Aid Society, www.afas.org, or the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org/support.
An online guestbook may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com