William "Billy" Lee McCullough, a life-long resident of Franklin, Texas, died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 22nd, 2020 at the age of 61.

Billy is survived by his parents, Mackie Lee and Mable McCullough; his children and their spouses, Christie and Robert Smitherman, Abby and Chris Schoeneman, and Adam and Desiree McCullough; his grandchildren, Tanner, Dylan, Maggie, and Karaline Smitherman, Reece, Ridge, and Ryla Schoeneman, Adelyn and Maelyn Bauer, and Katelyn and Blakelyn McCullough; his brothers and their spouses, Jimmie McCullough and Evette Correa, and Ricky and Pam McCullough; his sisters and their spouses, Sherry and James Chandler, Patty and Bill Baker, and Julie and Billy Atomanczyk; his numerous nieces and nephews; and his mother in law, Barbara McCauley.  He is predeceased by his late wife, Vicky Lynn McCullough.

Billy was born in Hearne, Texas on May 12, 1959, to Mackie Lee and Mable McCullough.  He graduated from Franklin High School in 1977 in the top of his class.  He was a faithful employee of Clayco and then later retired from GATX after devoting more than 20 years of his service.  On June 10, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Vicky Lynn.  Later they welcomed two beautiful daughters and one son, who were the most important part of his life.

Billy was a devoted Father and Papaw and loved his family more than life itself.  He prioritized his grandchildren's sporting events, fair activities, and school functions, never missing unless he was sick…. or hunting.  He would travel the state just to be present in the stands and most importantly, he would never let any of his kids drive to the out of town games alone.  Billy was also known to be an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was known as a "fish whisper."  He enjoyed fishing with his grandsons on their private pond, hunting with his son, and volunteering his hours to serving others.  Many late nights were spent supporting his son, Adam, in his cedar business and fidgeting with his own woodworking projects in which he would freely give away to his family.  Billy was also one to go along with crazy project ideas that his daughters, Abby and Christie, would have for the Franklin ISD programs.  From making props for the Wizard of Oz play to making the wooden guns at Veterans Day, he was a master craftsmen, for sure.

Billy was a man of little words with a hilarious sense of humor.  Also known as Big Bill to his nieces and nephews, Billy liked to tell jokes & reminisce with all his childhood friends. He was a Papaw to so many and a friend to everyone.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Billy touched are invited to the funeral service, to be held at the Robertson County Cowboy Church in Franklin, Texas on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Billy will be laid to rest alongside Vicky immediately following at the Franklin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William Lee McCullough to the Robertson County Fair Association, PO Box 1366, Franklin, Texas 77856.

Due to Covid-19, masks are strongly encouraged.