More detail on this person: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Col. Raymond John Cully (Ret.) May 2, 1947 - October 26, 2023 Bright, boisterous, irreverent, loyal and loving, John was born to Raymond and Margaret (Peg) Cully in Detroit, Michigan. Beloved son, brother, husband, soldier and friend, after graduating from Redford High School 1969, John was commissioned in the United States Army ROTC program at Central Michigan University, entering active duty and volunteering as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. It was during an R&R in Hawaii that John met and fell for then- flight attendant, Diane, his incredibly brave, adventurous and loving wife of nearly 50 years. Throughout his 27-year Army career, John remained closely tied to Theta Chi, CMU football and ROTC where he was inducted into its Hall of Fame, later establishing a foundation, The ROTC Fund for Excellence. After a successful tenure as a helicopter pilot, then-Captain Cully transitioned to the field of Military Intelligence in 1975, marking a new phase in his career, as he was assigned to various Special Forces and special operational units. His capabilities and leadership were recognized, leading to his selection to command the Special Intelligence Squadron. In this role, he planned and executed sensitive intelligence operations that received approval at the highest levels of the US Government. The results of these missions were briefed to Congress and the President, demonstrating the importance and success of his work. In 1997, John retired from his high-level, active duty intelligence positions and entered civilian life and the miliary travel industry where he excelled. In 2003, Diane and John relocated to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where they made many dear friends. John remained active in numerous military affiliated organizations. John's life was cut short by ALS, the insidious disease for which there is no cure, but he maintained his humor and loving personality until the end, showing the same courage fighting his disease as he did in combat. Particularly close to his nieces and nephews, John could always be counted on to dispense such sage advice as "You can always make up a test, but you can never make up a party." In addition to Diane, John is survived by sisters Carolyn Cosgrove (Ken) of Newport Coast, California and Kathy Cully of San Diego, brothers David (Lisa) of San Diego and Don (AJ) of Anaheim Hills, California, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who visited often. It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember and impacted so many lives...his boots will never be filled. A private service will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery. If desired, donations to the ALS Association in his name would honor John's life, as would lifting a glass, and always standing proud for our National Anthem.
Burial information: Beaufort National Cemetery
This information was last updated 01/19/2024
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Date posted on this site: 06/15/2024
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