The Reverend, Dr. Ronnie Allan McCulloch was born the Third of September 1949 in Denison Texas. As the youngest son of Allan Lee and Reba Marie (Thompson) McCulloch, Ron was an «after thought» baby being 16 years younger than his sister Ann and 15 years younger than his brother Frank. By all accounts, his parents showered him with an abundance of love and attention and he had a childhood filled with wonderful adventure. His Mom was active in the Denison PTA and was a scouting den mother. Ron loved camping, canoeing and fishing. His Mom would take Ron and his buddies, Niel, Mark, Steve, and Dennis (and whomever else) to Lake Texoma and would cook up the fish they caught for breakfast. He loved to go for walks along the railroad tracks with his Dad.
The McCulloch family belonged to the First Presbyterian Church and it was there that with the shepherding of the Reverend John Wiley, Sr., he recognized that the Holy Spirit was leading him to enter into the ministry. Besides regular attendance at his own church, Ron also participated in the Sunday night «Sword Drills» program at the Baptist church, and on Wednesday evenings, he would go with his adopted grandma, whom he called «Mamaw», to the Church of Christ. He described his childhood as ecumenical.
One of the great blessings of Ron’s life has been his friendships with Niel Bratteli, Mark Rice, Steve Williams and Dennis Lloyd. Their friendship has endured some 60+ years since kindergarten, distance and health issues notwithstanding. During the past few years, frequent phone calls have kept them all in touch.
After graduating Denison High School in 1968, Ron enlisted in the Marine Corp and was discharged with a medical disability after several years of service. He was very proud to be a Marine and would often get the attention of other Marines, when he discovered them, yelling, «Semper Fi, dude!»
Utilizing his service benefits, Ron completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University followed by a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Trinity University (San Antonio, TX) and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Oregon. Ron’s quest was always for knowledge but not recognition and despite earning his PhD, rarely utilized the title of «Doctor.»
In 1977, while attending the University of Oregon, he met Ruth Erickson. Ron began attending Grace Lutheran with her and deeply appreciated the message of grace through faith that was continuously preached. They married in 1979 and have two beautiful children: Daniel Austin (born in 1985) and Samuel Alexander (born in 1989), After graduation in 1980 and working as a school psychologist, the economy in the northwest prompted a move back to Texas where eventually Ron decided it was time to attend seminary. He completed his Masters in Divinity at the Lutheran Seminary of the Southwest in 1988. Soon after, he received his first call to Luther Memorial Lutheran Church (ELCA) in North East Portland. After 3-1/2 years, he took a call to Our Savior’s Lutheran in south Salem. 2-1/2 years later, he received a call to Our Savior’s in Lake Oswego where he remained until he was forced into semi-retirement as the result of receiving a head injury in a car accident in 1997. Throughout his ministry years, he was a counselor, an advocate, a teacher, mentor and a friend to many people. He received
training as a Stephen Ministry leader and trained several classes of leaders. Ron loved to travel, particularly to Israel, and one of the highlights of his life was taking his family there on a trip at the end of December, 1999. Ron also loved to travel by car and the family criss-crossed the United States numerous times, exploring and adventuring through national parks, museums, and the like.
After leaving Our Savior’s, Ron served one final parish, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Madras, on a part time basis until it was necessary to retire permanently.
While the path he was on may have been challenging throughout all of the ups, downs, trials and tribulations, Ron never waivered from his faith. He always found a way to snap himself out of a funk with these words: «The good Lord has promised to bless us!» And he would finish every phone call with a resounding: «Blessings!» This is likely how he would always want to be remembered.
And, just as certain as the sun rises and sets every day, Ron is resting in the arms of our risen savior and Lord, waiting on us to join him.