Charles Thomas McCullough

Charles Thomas McCullough, Jr., a resident of Asheville for more than 40 years and a founding partner of Blue Ridge Bone and Joint Clinic, died on Wednesday, May 27. He was 80 years old. McCullough was born in Morganfield, Ky, the youngest of three sons of Myrtle Lee Buntin and Charles Thomas McCullough, Sr. He attended the University of Kentucky and Vanderbilt Medical School. It was in medical school when he met Shirley Anne Freeman. They became the first couple married in Vanderbilt's newly-built Benton Chapel in 1963. Following graduation from Vanderbilt, McCullough, who was known by all as "Charlie," served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force at Plattsburgh Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Hospital during the Vietnam War. During that time, he trained in England under Dr. John Charnley, a pioneer of hip replacement surgery. McCullough moved to Asheville with his family in 1971 to join the Bone and Joint Clinic. He performed the first total hip replacement in Asheville in 1972 after convincing the Sisters of Mercy at St. Joseph's Hospital to purchase the necessary equipment. In the early 80s, he completed a specialized fellowship in hip revision surgery at Duke University Medical Center. His extensive civic involvement was tied to his love of Asheville, the mountains, the environment and farms like those he saw as a child in Kentucky. McCullough chaired the Community Foundation when it received its national charter. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry. He served as past chairman of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, which honored him with their highest volunteer award in 2002. A camping enthusiast since 1944, McCullough visited more than half of the nation's national parks. At the time of his death he was a trustee for the National Parks and Conservation Association. McCullough retired from his medical practice in 1999. He remained active in conservation efforts and was a member of The Pen and Plate Club and Seniard Creek Farm. He was delighted when his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren moved to Asheville. McCullough was a happy person who loved his life as a husband, father and steward of the land. He was a caring physician and friend. He always had a smile. McCullough was proud to be Scotch-Irish. He loved farms, horses and the Kentucky Derby. He made the world's best eggnog and cucumber sandwiches. He gave generously of his time and talents. Memorials may be made to the McCullough Institute at UNC Asheville (giving.unca.edu/mccullough) or to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (www.appalachian.org) Survivors include his wife, Shirley Anne Freeman McCullough; a daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Daniel Casse; two grandchildren, Will and Ellie Casse; and his little white dog, Katie. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Friday, June 5 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow in Tuton Hall. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.