Philip McCullough

1949 - 2026

Philip Allen McCullough, 76, of Rochester Hills, MI, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after a brief illness.

Phil was born June 30, 1949, in Detroit, MI, and raised by Leon and Mary Catherine (Thornton) McCullough in Farmington. Phil graduated from Farmington High School in 1968 and attended Michigan Christian College, where he met his college sweetheart, DeeDee (Phillips). The two completed their associate degrees and moved to Abilene, TX, to attend Abilene Christian College, where they earned their bachelor's degrees. They returned to Michigan between their junior and senior years to be married in Midland on August 15, 1970.

Once graduated, the couple moved back to Michigan, where Phil briefly worked for General Motors in Detroit before joining Midland-based WMPX radio station as program director and on-air talent. Over the years, he worked at several radio stations in the tri-county area and held various jobs to support his growing family. He later worked in the Communications Department at Dow Chemical Company before moving to Dow Corning Company, retiring in 2008. After retirement, Phil continued working at Dow Chemical Credit Union, the Apple Store, and Lowe's.

There was never a doubt that Phil's family was his pride and joy. He was a devoted and deeply involved father to his three sons, faithfully present as a coach, supporter, and encourager at games, plays, concerts, and church activities. His love only grew as his family expanded, embracing his daughters-in-law and later finding his greatest joy as Grandad to his ten grandchildren. He cherished time with them and was always ready to help, show up, or simply stop by. At the center of it all was his 55-year marriage to his beloved wife, DeeDee-a quiet, faithful partnership that modeled selfless love and devotion to family.

Phil's life was firmly rooted in his faith. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, he served faithfully as an elder, song leader, and ministry leader at Wheeler Road Church of Christ in Midland. After moving to Rochester Hills, he became a valued and beloved member of the Rochester Church of Christ, serving for several years in the audio-visual ministry. Music was a meaningful expression of his faith, and hymns became a lasting legacy shared with his family. Phil lived his faith with humility, generosity, and steady service, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, DeeDee; his sons, Ryan (Laura), Jason (Holly), and Darren (Kara); his grandchildren, Claire, Eden, Helen, Ethan, Elijah, Evan, Charles, Owen, Isaak, and Austin; his sister, Dianne (Tom) Martin; in-laws Judy Criss, Stella (Larry) Palmer, Chris (Cheryl) Phillips, Mark (Rose) Phillips, Brenda Phillips, and Terry Phillips; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Catherine and Leon McCullough, and his in-laws, Charles and Virginia Phillips, Frank Criss, and Dennis Phillips.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Rochester Christian University, Alumni Center, 250 West Avon Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m., with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association or Rochester Christian University.