Gerald Mancel McCullough, 76, passed away Feb. 27, 2017, from cancer at home in Monroe, Wash., with his wife of 51 years, Nora at his side. Gerald was born Feb. 16, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, the youngest child of Willie Ruth (Bigham) McCullough. Gerry graduated from N. R. Crozier Tech High School, Dallas in 1959, and from West Texas State University, Canyon in 1963, with a bachelor of science in history and a commission as 2nd Lt. in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash., from 1963 to 1965. On May 1, 1965, 1st Lt. Gerald McCullough married Nora Hagler of Snohomish. Following his discharge from the Army, they moved to Ellensburg, Wash., where he earned his teaching certificate at Central Washington University. Gerry taught in the history department at Centralia High School (CHS) from 1966 to his retirement in February of 2000. In 2011, Gerry and Nora moved to Monroe to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
As a child growing up in Texas, he was known as Gerald, while teaching at Centralia High School, his friends called him Gerry, Mr. McCullough, or Coach McCullough. When he transitioned to a grandfather, he was universally known as Poppy by family and his community.
Gerry had a lifetime passion for education and athletics. During his time at CHS, Gerry coached football, wrestling, baseball and softball along with running the game clock at most all athletic events held at CHS. Included in his many highlights was being on George Potter’s football staff, during the 1980 State Championship season and Ron Brown’s staff for the 1991 Softball State Champions. Gerry also was CHS history department head for many years, Sophomore class advisor and volunteered many years for Centralia Little League, both coaching and elected positions of treasurer and president on the executive board. He was known for his quick wit in the faculty room and was affectionately nicknamed the “Viper” for his friendly banter with his fellow facility members.
After retiring from CHS, Gerry dedicated his time supporting and encouraging his grandchildren in Enumclaw, Lake Stevens and Monroe, driving great distances to make most all activities. He was a presence at all youth sporting and education events of his grandchildren, where he was well known throughout town as Poppy. Always the competitor, Poppy enjoyed keeping scores at the ball games and offering encouragement from the stands. He struck up many friendship from the parents, grandparents and coaches alike in his new community of Monroe. Once it was learned of his illness, the 10U Legends Baseball team made a banner to display at their games that read, Playing for Poppy, to offer warming support during his battle. Poppy loved to discuss games with his grandchildren and meet their friends and families.
Gerry was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Ruth; brother, Henry Elmer Jr.; sister, Patricia West; mother-in-law, Josephine Kincaid; and sister-in-law, Leslie Kincaid Ward.
He is survived by his wife, Nora; sons, Jeff (Trish), Ben (Heather) and Pete (Kate); grandchildren, Baker, Cooper, Claire, Natalie, Josephine and Luke; brother, Wayne (Margaret); sisters-in-law, Sue Hagler Lande (David) and Merrilu Kincaid Sparagno (Nick); brother-in-law, Todd Kincaid (Kathy) and their families.
At Gerry’s request, there will be no services.
