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1942 - 2022
1942 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
1942
2022
Dr. Dennis Wayne McCullough was born in Houston, TX on May 8, 1942, to Roger Wayne and Emma Boyd McCullough. Within a heartbeat of his death on December 20, 2022, he was in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was well-known and respected in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. He worked at ABB Lummus Global for 20 years as Vice President of Strategic Business Development; at Badger Licensing, LLC, a joint technology venture between Shaw and Exxon Mobil, as President for 18 months; and spent the last 15 years, and well into his 80th year, as Director of Innovcore Technology Management Consultants, LLC, in the field of technology-based business alliances and technology commercialization. Although his body became frail, his mind stayed very clear and alert. During his last week, he was still taking business calls!
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his wife, Barbi; to his children Shannon, Mark, and daughter-in-law Crystal; and to his granddaughter, Aiden. He traveled for business all over the world but was rarely gone on weekends. Those days were filled with local and distant activities, such as taking his family to church, traveling to Mark's mountain bike races all over Texas, and going to Shannon's horse shows in Texas, New Mexico, and Kentucky. He frequently had special one-on-one dates with Shannon and Mark, and occasionally took them on individual business trips to Chicago and New York City.
Denni's love for the Lord, since he was 12, grew during the last two years of going through pancreatic cancer. He never asked, "Why me?" or "How long do I have?" Psalms 139 became very personal to him, as it tells how God knows everything about us - when we sit or stand, what words we are going to speak, and even our thoughts. He knew us before we were born, and He even knew the day He would call us home to Heaven. Dennie said, "I 'm not afraid of dying because I know where I'm going and Who I will be with."
He had a peaceful homegoing surrounded by his loving family.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, December 28 at 10:00 AM at Metropolitan Baptist Church (The MET) in the Atrium next to the Mills Rd. parking lot. The address is: 13000 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070.
21 Entries
Delphine Scott
June 15, 2025
It is with great sadness to hear of Mr. McCullough passing. He was a really nice person. I first met him when he was first hired and somehow he wasn´t getting a pay check for a period of time due to a system glitch. However, I worked in payroll and I had the task of getting him paid. We spoke on the phone several times and he was so pleasant never raised his voice at any time. He called to thank me when he finally got paid and ask to meet me when he came back to New Jersey. On his visit back to New Jersey, Mr. McCullough came by my office to introduce himself and to thank me. That´s how I remember him as a very kind and understanding person. May he rest in peace
Ruud Overbeek
January 3, 2023
I was very sad to hear about Dennis' too early passing from a former colleague. I had the pleasure of working with Dennis during my first job at ABB Lummus Global until 2001. Dennis was a pleasant mentor and a great, enjoyable colleague. He will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences and prayers and strength for his family and loved ones during these difficult times.
Jonathan Lourie
January 2, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis's passing and I provide my condolences and prayers. It has taken me some time to gather the courage to write this. Dennis was a wise man, with an extraordinary strength, resilience, gentleness and courage that I greatly admired. He was an extraordinary help to me in work and as a friend. I always had faith in his advice and wisdom. I knew how much his family and his wife, Barbi, meant to him. He would tell me of going to Church and having breakfast with Barbi and I was inspired to think about my relationship with my wife and whether was I doing enough, which I never do. I will always remember him and his big heart. My prayers are with him and all his family.
John Gieseman
January 1, 2023
I am sorry to hear about Dennis’ passing. Dennis helped me quite a bit when I was at Lummus. His insights and professional advice were always accurate and useful. But what I am really thankful for was his kind words and actions day to day when I lived in Houston. That meant so much to me and my family.
Steve Hopkins
December 29, 2022
Dennis was a North Star on personal and business virtues I could always count on. A truly great person.
G, Dan Suciu
December 28, 2022
Dennis impressed me as the typical (in the best sense of the word) American businessman: highly intelligent, passionate about his work, adapting easily to new conditions and situations, working hard for obtaining the target results.
He was always well mannered, low keyed and friendly.
May his soul find eternal rest in God´s Peace!
Dan Suciu
David Sudolsky
December 28, 2022
Dennis McCullough was my mentor, advisor, colleague and dear friend for over 11 years. Anellotech was introduced to Dennis in 2011. After a long career at Lummus and other top companies, Dennis retired and began his consulting business InnovCore. About the same time, Anellotech needed a knowledgeable chemical industry business development and licensing advisor, and Dennis was interested in learning about the world of technology start-up companies. Over the past 11 years, he was an integral part of our business team, working with us on many major transactions that have been key to our company. At a team dinner celebrating Dennis’ contributions early this year, Barbi told us that after he retired Dennis wanted to consult with a company where he could really help and contribute by leveraging his 40+ years of industry experience. He certainly did that with Anellotech, and along the way became my close friend and teacher. His honesty, integrity, depth of experience and knowledge and willing to speak his mind and present alternative views were cornerstones of his professional approach. His loss is immeasurable, his teaching and influence will endure. I will miss him greatly.
Cristina Mattern
December 27, 2022
Just literally the kindest and gentlest man.... I feel so lucky to have known him.
Kevin Fallon
December 27, 2022
I worked with Dennis during his time at Badger Licensing / Shaw Group. My condolences to his family.
Joaquim (Jo) Portela
December 27, 2022
At ABB Lummus Global, I had the privilege of working and learning from Dennis. I had always looked forward with excitement to the strategy sessions he led back then. Many times, Helion Sardina and I would have lunch with Dennis where we would have forward looking discussions about technology opportunities and Dennis would write down his thoughts on a napkin to my amusement. Our conversations were always intellectually stimulating and insightful, and we continued that practice until recently when we both worked on developing a technology acquisition opportunity between Lummus and a company Dennis was consulting for. Like in the old days, we would meet for breakfast at First Watch restaurant near his house and enjoy his favorite "Bacado Omelet" and let the creativity flow in. He will be missed and remembered, always. Rest in peace my friend.
Denise Marshall
December 26, 2022
Dear Barbi, Shannon, Mark, Crystal and extended family, I am deeply saddened by the news of Dennis' passing. I had the privilege of being Dennis' administrative assistant (for 17 years) at Lummus. Dennis was always a very kind, fair, patient, and hard-working man and a mentor to all. He will be missed greatly. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace. Matthew 25:21 - His Lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." RIP, Dennis
Gaylene Leonard
December 25, 2022
Dennis was a very kind and compassionate man whose love for his family was unmatched. He and Barbi were always so thoughtful and helpful to me.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but especially Barbi and family.God bless his family and Rest In Peace Denny.
Teri Paulsen
December 24, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man.
When Shannon was too sick to care for her horse, Dennis came up to check on her. The first time we met I was struggling to unload things from my car quickly (as I wasn't supposed to park there) and was hurriedly jogging back and forth. He jumped right in to help me before we ever even 'officially' met. He and I then chatted for a long time and every other time he came up to the barn. We talked about real life - genuine struggles and hardships, and the things that made us happy. All those joyous things for him were his family. I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with him.
I'll be thinking about you all and praying for your comfort.
Rosa Berlanga
December 24, 2022
Mr McCullough, It was an Honor n Privilege to have known you for such a short time. Always having a smile while we exchanged stories. We will miss that smile but will see u again one day Dr. DMay God bless u and ur family during this time.
Thomas Hickey
December 24, 2022
I have many things in life to be thankful for, and among them is having known and worked with Dennis side by side for so many good years. Dennis and I shared many lunches together (Lynn's being one of our favorite spots) where we discussed our families, life and of course some business. I can never look at a bottle of Tabasco or see Crawfish Etouffe on a menu without thinking fondly of Dennis. Dennis was a very good man and he will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Terry Mazanec
December 24, 2022
Dennis was a knowledgeable and insightful consultant to the chemicals and fuels industry. He was the person you could go to when you needed a thoughtful and frank evaluation of a business proposition, and he would provide truly visionary guidance. He was a valuable colleague and good friend; he will be sorely missed.
Khalid Farid
December 22, 2022
I was privileged to call Dennis my friend since we started to work together in 1986 just as Lummus Technology was being formed with few technology assets. Dennis became the central and most impactful contributor to the growth of the company through a combination of his skill, his intellect, his integrity and his ability to build trusting relationships within the Company and with partners and clients. We were fortuitous in joining up again in late 2019 to support two private equity companies in their acquisition of Lummus Technology in a multi-billion dollar deal. He has the respect, admiration and affection of many, many people that he touched in his career. Clearly a uniquely talented and decent man. I will miss him very much. My thoughts remain with Barbi, Shannon, Mark, Crystal and the rest of his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace.
Will Groten
December 22, 2022
We worked together in a business partnership relationship for many years. I always appreciated Dennis calm, and thoughtful presence, his listening skills and his visionary thinking concerning the strategic decisions we faced. His care for his colleagues at work was always evident. My sincerest condolences to you his family and friends.
Kim Ash
December 22, 2022
Just wanted you all to know that Mr.Mc Cullough is with Jesus hang on to the precious memories One day you will be all together again
James Swanson
December 21, 2022
Dennie, you were a great brother-in-law to me, and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather to your family. You accomplished so much during your lifetime and we are so proud of you. You are missed already, but we are happy because we know you’re in Heaven and we’ll all be together again one of these days! Love you. Jim
I will remember how he cared for family the most!
Clarice Anne Butler
December 21, 2022
What a loving family man. I am sorry for your loss.
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