William S. (Bill) Culler

Published 8:19 pm Wednesday, April 6, 2016

William S. (Bill) Culler
May 23, 1950 – April 5, 2016

WILLIAM CULLER

Bill Culler, a 26-year resident of Carolina Pines, passed away at home among his family on April 5, 2016 after courageously fighting a five-year battle with esophageal cancer.

Bill was born in Winston-Salem and his family resided in five different southeastern states while he was growing up before settling in Washington, during his high school years.

He graduated from Washington High School and UNC-Chapel Hill on Naval ROTC Scholarship, graduating in 1972 with a BA degree in Political Science and 2dLt’s Commission.

During the next few years he served in a variety of both FMF and Air Station Air Traffic Control (ATC) positions on both coasts and in Japan.

In 1977 he was assigned to MCAS Tustin where he served as both ATC Officer and concurrently as the Airfield Operations Officer. In 1984-1987 he was the ATC Facility Officer at MCAS El Toro, CA.

Maj. Culler finished his career with the 2d MAW G3 Staff as the Wing Air Control Officer in 1992. After his retirement Bill became a financial advisor with Edward Jones and LPL Financial for 15 years. Bill was a frequent longtime volunteer with the Havelock Civitan Club, Coastal Carolina Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and Coastal Carolina Council of the Navy League of the United States.

With Civitans he was awarded the Club’s highest award, the Carl Hagar Award, in 2013.

He also served as a Council president of Coastal Carolina Navy League from 1999-2001 & 2012-2013. Bill served as a National Director for (9) nine years, and as North Carolina Area President for 2009. Bill and his wife produced a National Award winning newsletter.

Bill served as president for Coastal Carolina Chapter of Military Officer’s Association and began the Clarion Newsletter over fifteen years. Bill and Dee also produce the national award-winning NC Newsletter State Council Comments. Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years Dee of the home and son Brian of Asheville. Additional family includes his brother, LCDR Robert (Bob) Culler USNR (Ret.), (Debra) and two nieces.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 pm Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at the TWP #6 at Carolina Pines Firehouse.

Arrangements are by Cotton Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.