William Douglas McCulloch, (73), of Saint Louis, Missouri entered through the gates of heaven on Friday, February 9th, 2024 after losing his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. 

William, fondly known as Bill, Billy or Papa, was born to Robert Dierkes McCulloch I and Helen Viola McCulloch (nee Sona) on October 9,1950 in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Growing up, he earned multiple high school Varsity letters in track and field, football, and band and held true to 

his MRH Blue Devils roots forever. In 2006, William retired from his life-long career as a Meat Manager with Schnucks. 

William is survived in life by his wife and soul mate, Joan McCulloch (nee Ryan), his daughters Sara McCulloch-Penick (David), Helen Trower (Cory), his two grandchildren Xavier and Matilda Penick, his sister Nancy Smiley (George), brothers Robert McCulloch II (Jenny), James McCulloch (Christine), brother-in-law Gary Ryan (Melissa), nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. William was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Helen McCulloch, his parents-in-law, John and Helen Ryan, his niece Melissa McCulloch, his brother-in-law George Smiley II, and nephews Robert McCulloch III, and Bryan McCulloch. 

William was an avid lover of music, the outdoors, sports, cooking, and animals. He would get so excited to host annual family events for Christmas Eve and Fourth of July, and the neighborhood Halloween chili cook-off. When his children were young, you could always find him in the stands at every sporting event, freezing over the patio for the kids to ice skate, jamming to music in the basement, or in the alley playing ball with them. He loved to be out in the yard or garage tinkering around, bar-be-queing, or working on cars, but his proudest accomplishment was the “True Love” trailer he built for their honeymoon. As a grandpa, he never missed a beat to create similar experiences for “his babies.” Last but never least, William simply adored animals. His compassion for animals was truly unique and he loved them dearly, as they did him. 

In William’s memory on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 10:30 a celebration mass will be held at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church located at 6303 Nottingham, St. Louis, MO 63109. Visitation will precede the mass at 9:00. Interment will immediately follow mass at Resurrection Cemetery 6901 MacKenzie, St. Louis, MO 63109. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to either the

Siteman Cancer, MSC 1082-414-25555

1 Brookings Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63130

or online at Siteman Cancer Center Tribute

Please indicate the gift is in memory of William Douglas McCulloch by writing a memo on your check.

Or to the Stray Rescue of St. Louis at Stray Rescue of St. Louis – Donate.