Larry James McCullough

Larry James McCullough, 72 years old, of Pennsboro, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at home, in the arms of his wife, Judi McCullough (aka Sweetie), on the 24th day of January, 2026. Larry was born on November 3, 1953, the youngest son of Emerson Hill “Buck” McCullough and Marie Cantwell McCullough.

Larry graduated from Pennsboro High School with the class of 1971, and he was the Salutatorian of his graduating class. His career plans to join the USAF and fly jets after graduation did not pan out when it was discovered that he was color blind. Instead, he attended college at West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, and was a few credits shy of graduating when he decided to get married instead. He had various jobs over the years, including meat cutter at Taylor’s Market in Pennsboro. He finally settled on carpentry, which he loved and at which he excelled. Larry’s favorite carpentry was anything that included concrete and steel, because ‘what I build is a monument that will be here long after I’m gone.’

Larry was a longstanding member of the Carpenter’s Local 899 (now Local 436); after he retired he never stopped working, either building something at home, or for neighbors. He had a brief career at mower repair, an endeavor he shared with one of his best friends, Mark Hayhurst, and he eventually joined Mark at Ace Home Center in Pennsboro, working on mowers and other equipment.

Larry was a kind, caring man, with a killer sense of humor, who was loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed playing music with his friends and family, especially his brother, Gary. He took pride in the fact that he taught himself to play ‘Stairway to Heaven’ on his guitar, from beginning to end. Larry enjoyed hunting, especially when it was time for Deer Camp; he was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and he loved to cheer on any WVU sports team. He enjoyed gardening – with his green thumb he grew tomato plants that were much taller than he was, and produced a huge harvest each year, which he enjoyed canning for use in the winter. A carpenter by trade, there was nothing he could not build if he set his mind to it. In his recent years, one of his favorite past times was watching Jeopardy with his wife, whom he seldom called by her given name, so she has spent years happily answering to ‘Sweetie’.

Larry was a devoted member of Harmony Lodge No. 59, A.F & A.M. in Pennsboro, West Virginia. He was also a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Larry is survived by his wife, Judi McCullough, whom he married on February 16, 2007, and his nephews, Brian McCullough (Jennifer) and Karl McCullough. Although Larry never had children of his own, he was a beloved member of a large blended family, both with his former wife, Connie Been, who has remained a close family friend, and his surviving wife, Judi.

Members of that blended family who survive him are his children, Dustyn McBrayer and husband, David, who was not just a son-in-law, but a true friend to Larry; Kylie Buffington (Kiger); Nicholas Isner; and, Mike Hogue (Mindy). Larry is survived by several grandchildren – Elijah Michael Redmond (Grey); Juliette Judith Redmond, Sawyer Paul Baker, Sofia Nicole Baker, Carter Shane McBrayer, Ariah Jade McBrayer, Braleigh Grace McBrayer, Jasper Wyatt McBrayer, Bayley Raign Simmons, Kadence Jordan Isner, Michael H. Hogue, Broc Hissam, Amelia Harris, Shana Hogue and siblings; and, great-granddaughter, Journey. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Leah Wells (Shane), Zachary McCullough, Celeste Walsh, Abigail Walsh, Morgan McCullough, Mallory Ellis, who is an OR nurse at CCMH, and always looked out for Larry before or during his recent surgeries, and her husband, Justin; and, Logan Blouir (Krystyn).

In addition, he is survived by his father-in-law, and dear friend, George W. Layfield, and his mother-in-law, Linda L. Layfield, as well as his sisters-in-law, Michelle Layfield Hess (Eric),

Charlana Layfield, and Jeanette Rowe McCullough.

Lastly, Larry is survived by his best friend, and a very good boy, Dexter James McCullough.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Lane McCullough, his sister-in-law, Donnell McCullough, and his son, Shane Hogue.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at McCullough Raiguel Funeral Home, 447 W. Myles Avenue, Pennsboro, West Virginia.

Visitation will occur from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the memorial service to follow at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor Bill Dawson officiating. Due to current weather conditions, interment will occur in the Spring.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mcculloughraiguel.com.