Howard Eugene McCullough

Howard Eugene McCullough Sr., 94, died peacefully at Baptist Village, on February 8, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and pastor. His last days were spent surrounded by his family before he was united with his Lord and Savior.

Brother Gene was born September 7, 1929, in Jacksonville, Florida, where he grew up. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1948. He attended Bob Jones University in Greeneville, SC, and graduated in 1955. He married Mary Jean McCullough on June 27, 1957, and shortly after their wedding, began attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, TX, where he graduated in 1960. His ministry began at Beatty Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, OK, and continued at First Baptist Church of Orange Park, FL for seven years. In September of 1967, he and his family moved to Folkston, GA where he served at First Baptist Church for 30 years, retiring in 1998. His life’s mission was to serve others and reach the lost through preaching the gospel. His spirit of humility, his heart of compassion, and his words of wisdom allowed him to witness to his church and community. His servant’s heart was evident through his support of domestic and foreign missions. He incorporated his passion for woodworking as a vacation bible school activity to minister to the youth and lead them to Christ. Another way he impacted the youth of Charlton County was through annual trips to church camp at Lake Yale. He enjoyed simple pleasures like gardening, making things for others such as mayhaw jelly or chocolate fudge, sharing life experiences/stories, and fellowshipping with those close to him. Although he touched so many lives, his purpose was always to do all things for the glory of God.

Brother Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Jean McCullough, his father, Thomas Henry McCullough, his mother, Selma Whitten McCullough, his brothers, T.H., Jim, and Jack McCullough, and his sister, Marion McCullough Shannon. He is survived by his children: Howard Eugene McCullough Jr. and his wife Cindy of Folkston, GA, John Alan McCullough and his late wife Dawn of Woodbine, GA, and Joy McCullough Boyce of Charlotte, NC; his seven grandchildren: Adam and Matthew McCullough, Dylan Brown and his wife Katie of Jesup, GA, Caleigh Depew and her husband Lance of Folkston, GA, Caroline, Ella, and Olivia Boyce; his four great-grandchildren: Jackson, Ezekiel, Gabriel, and Jude McCullough, and Lainey Brown; several of his nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, February 11th. The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 12th at First Baptist Church of Folkston with Rev. Randy Jacoby and Rev. Mark McCullough officiating and burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Shepard Roberson Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The McCullough Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Folkston. Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home is assisting the McCullough family.