Thomas F. McCullough Sr.

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Thomas F. McCullough was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Thomas will always be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Thomas’s life journey began on February 2, 1915. He first greeted the world in Annis Marshall, Tennessee. His parents' names were Rich B. McCullough and Emma Fischer. He was raised with 3 siblings, Dick, Jim and Frank. Thomas enjoyed his years as a young boy by making many fond memories with his family and friends. Although much of his youth was spent having fun, he was well aware of times when he needed to be mature and step up when help was needed. An excellent example of his maturity and bravery was when he saved a boy from drowning at Puddingstone Reservoir on November 20, 1928.

Thomas was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. During his school years, Thomas enjoyed playing Football, Baseball and Basketball. He graduated from Bonita High School in 1935 earning 16 Varsity letters. He later continued his education by attending Chaffey College in 1936 and Pomona Junior College in 1937 where he studied Aircraft Maintenance.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Thomas experienced that with Edith Martha Carter and the couple exchanged wedding vows on August 21, 1937. The wedding took place in The Santa Ana Wedding Chapel in Santa Ana, California. Empathetic and loyal, Thomas and Edith shared many loving years of memories.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Thomas was blessed with 3 children; Gloria, Tommy and Kathy. Thomas worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs, raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment.

Later in life, Thomas was blessed with the joy of having of 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Thomas enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Thomas worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. He worked at McDonnell Douglas Corporation for 38 years.

Thomas enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including yard work, gardening, fishing as well as bowling and playing baseball and basketball. He was always happy to share his interests with others.

Thomas F. McCullough left us on November 10, 2011. He passed away at his son’s home in San Diego, California. The cause of death was heart failure. He is survived by his children Thomas F. McCullough Jr., Gloria K. Throneberry and Kathy J. Boudreau. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A memorial service was held at West View Bible Church in Imperial Beach, California on November 22, 2011.

Simply stated, Thomas was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Thomas leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember him with a smile.