William Edward McCullough

COLUMBIA - William Edward "Mac" McCullough died at home on Monday, November 4, 2013 at the age of 98. Mac, the oldest of three sons, was born in Newbern, TN to James and Maude McCullough. He attended the University of Tennessee and received a Law degree from Cumberland College in Lebanon, TN.

He joined the Army in 1939. During WWII he was assigned to the Fourteenth Air Force, Fifth Fighter Group, Chinese American Composite Wing, known as the Flying Tigers. He continued his military career transitioning from the Army Air Corp to the Air Force where he served in Korea and the Cold War as part of the 20th Fighter Bomber Wing. He also served in Vietnam. His tours of duty included England, Andrews AFB, Edwards AFB, Bowling AFB and the Pentagon. After 30 years, he retired with the rank of Colonel with 17 awards, including the Silver Star, Soldier's Medal and Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, and two Cloud and Banner Medals awarded by the Taiwanese Air Force.

Mac was happily married to Anne Elizabeth McDuffie for 60 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Ben McCullough, his wife and a grandson, Richards O. Stewart III. Mac is survived by a brother, Haskins McCullough of Newbern, Tennessee, Jennifer Wilmot his dedicated caregiver and his children, Betsy Stewart, Bill McCullough and wife Cindy, and Jane McCullough. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Bonnie Stewart and Liam McCullough and great- grandchildren, Charles and McCullough "Mac" Doran.

He enjoyed travelling with Anne to Air Force reunions and trips to Taiwan with the Flying Tigers. He moved to Columbia in 1973, to the Whitehall neighborhood. Col. Mac enjoyed helping his neighbors. He was a great mechanic, handyman and "story-teller." He was known for his generosity and helpfulness to family, friends and strangers.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road in Irmo. A reception will follow. Mac will be buried with his wife Anne at Arlington National Cemetery where he will remain until the Lord's return.