Mr. Howell DeWitt “Buster” McCullough, age 73, a resident of Swan Point Reef Road, Washington, N.C., passed away Aug. 6, 2011, at Ridgewood Manor.

A family gathering and Celebration of Life was held Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at Hillside Funeral Service and Cremations.

Buster was born on Sept. 3, 1937, in Morgan County, Ala., son of the late Howell Melvin McCullough and Freda Mae Flanagan McCullough. He was employed with National Spinning where he retired in 1997. He married the former Linda Pounds on July 18, 1997, who survives. Buster was an avid golfer and member of the Washington Yacht and Country Club. He was also a Pirate Club member. Buster served his country in the United States National Guard.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Howell Dewitt “Bucky” McCullough of Washington, N.C.; two daughters, Kelli Montez Harper and her fiancé Ed Bader of New Bern, N.C., and Melinda Dawn Whitley of Clayton, N.C.; one brother, Tommy Wayne McCullough and wife Jane of Moulton, Ala.; a sister, Freda Ann Stephenson of Pascagoula, Miss.; two grandchildren, Nicky McCullough of Washington, N.C., and Emma Grayce Whitley of Clayton, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gary Roderick McCullough in 1962 and a brother-in-law, Kent Stephenson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Leo Jenkins Cancer Awareness Fund, Attn: Fredia Butts, 600 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington, N.C., 252-975-4500, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the McCullough family.