Jay Mccullough

Jay Ray McCullough, 70, of Waco passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at a local hospital. Services will be 2 pm Friday, February 10, 2006 at Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd. with Rev. Mike Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.
Jay was born on June 25, 1935 in San Antonio to Jack D. and Helen (Williams) McCullough. He married the love of his life, Betty Tacker on August 6, 1960 in Mexia.
Jay received a football scholarship to Texas Christian University and graduated in 1957 receiving his Bachelors degree in Physical Education. Jay played in the Cotton Bowl twice, 1956 and 1957, winning the Southwest Conference in 1956. In 1973, Jay received his Masters Degree in Education from Baylor University and at that time he also earned a certification in counseling.
While attending TCU Jay was a member of the ROTC. Immediately after graduating from college, he served in the United States Army from 1957-1960. While in the service, he was assigned an overseas tour, which included being stationed in Germany. After completing active duty enlistment, he served six more years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Major.
Jay enjoyed over thirty-three years in the Education Field. He began his career as a teacher and a head coach. He later became a counselor and assistant principal at University High School. He was principal at University Jr. High from 1982-1983. He was principal at Lake Air Middle School from 1984-1988. He retired in 1996 as the Athletic Director of the Waco Independent School District.
In 1994, Jay was inducted in the Texas High School football Hall of Fame, (1949-1953). While principal at Lake Air Middle School, he was named Principal of the Year. He was named Coach of the Year in 1968. Jay served as President of the Waco Founders Lions Club in 1995-1996.
He was an active member of Western Heights Baptist Church where he was one of the Sunday School teachers for the Partners' Class.
He is survived by his wife, Betty McCullough of Waco; daughter, Susan McCullough-Medica and husband Julio of Las Vegas, NV; sons, Jay R. McCullough Jr. and wife Amanda of Corona, Calif and Stephen O. McCullough and Angela of Irving; grandchildren, Francesca Medica, Jonathan, Emily, Matthew and Melanie McCullough; brothers, Jack McCullough and wife El Ruth of Nacogdoches and Harvey McCullough and wife Jean of Kansas City, MS; mother-in-law, Thera Tacker of Waco; sister-in-law, Cathy Hickman and husband David of Waco; brother-in-law, Johnny Tacker and wife Fay of Wortham; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Allen, Raymond Redding, Joe Ingram, Bob Ethridge, Lee Willis, Capt. A.E. Albers, Corville Fisher, Billy Pavliska, Ken Orr, Bob Talley, Charles Thornal and Allen Miller
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society1311 North New Road Waco, TX 76710.