K. Ray McCullough

Kenneth Ray McCullough, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. He was born on August 22, 1938 to the late C.W.(Pete) and Marie McCullough in Rantoul, Kansas. 

Ray grew up and attended school in Paola, Kansas where he played football, ran track and was a long time 4-H member. Ray was fortunate to meet his future wife at a 4-H square dance while they were both still in high school. Ray earned a scholarship to Kansas State University where he graduated in 1960 after marrying Kay on August 23,1959 in Beagle, Kansas.

With his Bachelor of Science in Feed Technology, Ray immediately went to work for the Food and Drug Administration where he had a 36 year career full of awards and acclamations that took him and Kay from Kansas City, MO to Omaha, NE to St. Louis, MO to Little Rock, AR and Nashville, TN. They finally retired and returned to Arkansas, settling in Mount Ida, Arkansas for the next 25 years. 

Ray was a loving husband and an excellent role model for his children who all learned his respect for hard work and support for pursuing their dreams. While always a great husband to Kay and great father to his children, all saw him really thrive in his role as Grandpa. 

Ray’s passion for hunting and fishing was fulfilled during his many years in Arkansas. Ray was an early member of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation as well as the Arkansas Wild Turkey Federation. Hunting wild turkey was at the top of his list as proven by his travels to many states for the turkey hunting challenge which resulted in him obtaining the “grand slam” of wild turkey hunting.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Kay Yvonne McCullough, who together shared their most recent home in Mount Ida, Arkansas; four children, Dan McCullough (Kristan) of Maumelle, AR, LeAnn Rollans (Dan) of East End, AR, Debbie Higgins (David) of Sherwood, AR, Kevin McCullough (Ede) of Mt. Juliet, TN; eleven grandchildren, Megan Taphorn (Matt), Ryan McCullough (Emily), Connor McCullough, Lacie McInturff, Austin Rollans, Justin Rollans, Zach Higgins, Kylie Higgins, Bryce Higgins, Allison McCullough, Sarah Kate McCullough; three great grandchildren, Jayden Rollans, Jaxon and Rollans McInturff; brother and sister-in- law H.D. and Linda McCarty of Derby, KS in addition to several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Richard (Larry) and Jim McCullough.

Special thanks to Fox Ridge Bryant and Arkansas Hospice for their support and care over the past year and more. The dedication and commitment of the people that fill these roles is beyond amazing.

The family is grateful for all the messages and support from their many friends and family members. The family is planning a private Celebration of Life.

Please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Arkansas