HAMPSTEAD — David Solomon McCullen, Jr., lovingly known as D.S., 91, died March 15, 2024, at his home in Hampstead, N.C.
He was born November 27, 1932, the son of David Solomon and Lettie Mae Jackson McCullen of Dunn, N.C. He was preceded in death by his brother Don McCullen and is survived by his sister Peggy Autry of Fayetteville, N.C. He was married for 60 years to his wife, Iris Joan Woollard McCullen, who passed away on January 7, 2024.
David graduated from Plain View School, Dunn, N.C. in 1951, then joined the Air Force for one tour. He attended N.C. State University for two years before reenlisting. On June 1, 1963, he married the love of his life, Iris Joan Woollard, with whom he had three children. He served 24 years in the Air Force and was awarded the Bronze Star during the Vietnam War. After his military service, David worked for Western Southern Life Insurance in Dunn and then Fayetteville. Upon retirement, his family relocated to Hampstead, N.C. where he enjoyed bowling, pier fishing, watching Duke basketball and attending the local North Topsail Shores Baptist Men’s Breakfast.
David is survived by his children, Robert McCullen of Epping, N.H., Patricia Fettinger of Hampstead, N.C. and Matthew McCullen of Hampstead, N.C. He is survived by four grandchildren: Dane, Deanna and Ryan McCullen, and Nathaniel Fettinger.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for both David and Iris McCullen at 11 a.m. on March 30, 2024, at Mount Carmel Church in Dunn, N.C. The service will be officiated by Reverend Johnny Peterson and Chaplain Jon Stovall.
At a later date, the immediate family will spread the ashes of David and Iris McCullen at sea.
