Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Eric Garland McCullough
Obituary
Eric was born in Denison, TX to Martha and Eugene McCullough and grew up in an Air Force family, settling in Maryland after his father’s retirement. Eric and Sonia met in their College and Career group during a church retreat. The happy couple married in Arlington, VA in 1984, and settled in the DMV area to raise their six kids.
Eric pursued a career in the computer industry, and due to his diligent work and vast knowledge, he built a reputation as a widely respected security contractor. He worked so that Sonia could stay at home and homeschool all their children from K-12 grade. Eric truly believed homeschooling was the best option for their family. He and Sonia homeschooled for 28 years.
As a father, Eric always made time for his children. He loved spending time as a family playing games like Settlers of Catan or doing puzzles. He also enjoyed playing virtual reality games like Beat Saber, and always provided tough competition for the top game score. In March 2021, Eric became a grandfather and doted on his granddaughter Eden, who adored him.
Eric and Sonia partnered together to minister in their community here and abroad, particularly to the Spanish people in the area. They looked for opportunities to host friends in their home, and invest in people around them. Eric also loved missions work, and traveled on two mission trips to Guatemala (Sonia’s home country). This month would have marked 37 years of marriage.
Eric passed away on October 6th, 2021 while in the hospital being treated for COVID-19. We grieve from missing him here on earth, but we are thankful that Eric believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He is now fully healed and rejoicing in God’s presence, where “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Rev. 21:4
Celebration of Life Service
Recorded October 20, 2021
Please enjoy this playlist of musical selections beloved by Eric
Slide Show
Photo Gallery
Flowers & Donations:
Flowers are welcome and can be sent to Sonia McCullough in care of Fairfax Baptist Temple, 6401 Missionary Ln, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.
If you would like to donate for the support of the family, please use the GoFundMe link provided here. Since Eric was the sole provider, he and Sonia worked to budget and save for the unexpected. However, this time the unexpected was bigger than anticipated! With the many upcoming changes, we know there will be additional and unplanned expenses. The money donated will cover monthly bills as Sonia and the children still living at home adjust to the costs of utilities and upkeep needed for the house. If you would prefer to send a check or another form of payment instead of the GoFundMe form, you can also contact us through on the GoFundMe page. We are so thankful for your love and thoughtfulness during this time!
So sorry to learn of Eric’s passing. I know how much he loved his family and the Lord and take comfort in knowing though absent from his body he is home with his Lord.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying that God’s comfort fills your hearts as you miss him until you’re all together again someday!
I am sorry for your Hubby and Daddy being away from you, until you join him in eternity with Jesus. Love to each of you. So very grateful for all the beautiful memories being with you each.
What a beautiful service honoring Eric. Wish we could have been there celebrating the legacy on Eric and expressing our condolences to you all. We first met Eric through Barcroft Bible Church, Spanish group. Only Elizabeth and Erica were yet born. We have such fond memories of Eric and the pizza dinners at your Maryland casita. While studyind at the Bible College I was allowed to use Eric’s Apple computer writing the papers and Eric helping me with the grammar. We are grateful of our friendship through all these years. It’s so wonderful to see Eric’s love of God shine through your children… and love of music. You all will be in our prayers.
The moment I told my younger sisters that Mr. Mccullough had passed away, they said “the Beat Saber Legend has passed on”.
Mr. McCullough was the “cool dad” from our group and we enjoyed the time spent with the McCullough family. Every time we would visit, he found ways to make us all laugh and also ways to entertain us. You will be truly missed.
Dear McCullough Family,
My deepest condolences to you all. The memorial service was beautiful. I could clearly see that your goal was to glorify Christ and to share His good news with others. While I grieve with you for the loss of a husband and father, I also share in your joy that Eric is in heaven and free from sin, pain, or sadness. I would have liked to be there for the service, but the distance didn’t allow; I’m so glad that I was able to share in the service virtually.
May God bless you all–you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your family has been such a blessing to me over the years. So many fond memories of times spent in your home–parties, church projects, and learning from the Word of God. Thank you for your ministry and love.
Love in Christ,
Jeff & Emily Wenger (Hynes)
I first met Eric when we worked in the shop together at Clinton Computer. He was a good friend then and more so when we discovered that we both trusted Jesus Christ as our saviour. I had the privilege of being in his wedding and he in mine. My wife, Sue, and I were shocked to hear that he was with the Lord. We will miss him, and our prayer is for you, Sonia, and the family.
Your family has always been a blessing to me…and that’s really saying something since we all spent 3 months living in a small basement together! What an example Eric was, of a godly man who loved his family. I’m so thankful that we’ll get to see him again one day. What a day that will be!
Apreciamos su buen corazón para con los más vulnerables. Su ejemplo y carácter son muy inspiradores, su legado familiar lo refleja. Fue un privilegio conocerte, Eric, ahora disfruta el cielo! Consuelo familia, y paz en Cristo.
From my personal experience – Eric (well, everyone knew this) was incredibly smart and was so helpful. I can remember asking him technical questions and if he didn’t know the answer, he would help me find them. What really stands out about Eric was his family. Everyone could see how much he was in love with Sonia (it was so sweet and respectful) and how proud he was of all of his children. When we were at work, he would share stories and what the family did together all of the time. He loved to show pictures of his family. He was deeply patriotic and a wonderful human. He will be missed.
I will always remember playing Catan, Pandemic, and Beat Box with him. He was so willing to play and so good at them all. I will remember him every time I play any of those games and thank God for the opportunity of knowing him.
long ago memories of Eric and Sonia… we first began ministering in Guatemala because of a comment that Sonia made at lunch after church one day… roomed with Eric a few times on missions trips there… it is good to know that he with the Lord now… we are praying for you all… Andy and Diane and family…
What a joy to know Eric and his wonderful family! They have truly ministered to my family in our times of need and it has been a blessing to do the same for them! Looking forward to that day of rejoicing when the roll is called up yonder!!