February 5, 1956 ~ August 17, 2026 (age 70)
Clifford Kelly McCullough, known to family and friends simply as Kelly, passed away on August 17, 2026, in LaGrange, Georgia, at the age of 70.
Born on February 5, 1956, in Jacksonville, Florida, Kelly lived a life marked by hard work, faith, and loyalty. He had a quiet strength about him, but those who knew him best also knew his sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. Kelly had a way of making himself at home wherever he was and making the people around him feel like family. He built lasting friendships throughout his life, not because he tried to, but simply because that was who he was.
Kelly spent 33 years working for West Point Stevens, where he was known for his dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic. He took pride in doing his job well and in being someone others could count on. Later, he worked for Frank Hester at Hester Tag and Label, where he especially enjoyed the people, he worked alongside. Coworkers quickly became friends, and work was made better by the laughter and fellowship they shared. Kelly also dearly loved his time working at Johnny’s Pizza for Ben Hamilton, who was much more than a boss to him—he was family. Kelly cherished Ben and the rest of his coworkers and the friendships, stories, and laughter that came with those years.
Kelly’s faith was an important part of his life, and he faithfully served at Plant City Baptist Church as a deacon. He cared deeply about his church and the people in it and considered serving others a privilege. His service was a reflection of the way he lived—quietly, faithfully, and with a genuine concern for the people around him. He didn’t need recognition for what he did; he simply believed in showing up, helping where he could, and being there for others.
Outside of work and church, Kelly found plenty to enjoy in the simple things. He loved Alabama football and followed the team with enthusiasm and loyalty. There was always room for a little football talk, and anyone who spent time with Kelly likely knew exactly where he stood on the subject. He enjoyed the excitement of a big game and the tradition of college football.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Jim McCullough and Pat McCullough. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Teresa McCullough; his brothers, Rev. Mark McCullough and his wife Amy, and Steve McCullough and his wife Tammy; his brother-in-law, Marvin Huff and his wife Debbie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends who will deeply miss him and cherish the memories they made with him.
Kelly will be remembered for his loyalty, his strong work ethic, his faith, and his genuine love for people. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable and of turning coworkers into friends and friends into family. His absence will be deeply felt by the people who loved him, but so will the memories—especially the funny ones, the stories that will be told again and again, and the laughter that will always bring a smile when his name is mentioned. Kelly lived a good life, loved his people well, worked hard, served faithfully, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy the people around him. He will be greatly missed, but he will be remembered with love and gratitude.
Graveside services for Kelly will be held on Thursday, August 20th, 2026, at 2:30 PM (EDT) at Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett, Alabama. Interment will follow Oakwood Cemetery. Brother Brad Reed will officiate. Mr. Kelly’s family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, August 20th, 2026, at 1:00 – 2:00 PM (EDT) at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley, Alabama.
Please visit Kelly’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Kelly, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
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