HUGH L. MCCULLEY
07/31/1947 - 06/10/2023
Hugh L. McCulley died peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, the 10th of June 2023. Hugh was born on the 31st of July 1947, in Houston to Laura and John McCulley and grew up in Baytown. During the summer before his junior year in high school, his family moved to Cologne, Germany and Hugh went to boarding school at Institute Rosenberg in San Gallen, Switzerland. Hugh’s time spent at Institute Rosenberg and living in Europe was a life changing experience for the Eagle Scout from Baytown and added a broader dimension to his perspective on life and the world in general. Hugh graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee in 1969, where he served as President of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. In 1972, Hugh graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and began an over fifty years career as a lawyer. While in law school, Hugh’s brief partner asked him to be a groomsman in his wedding. It was in those wedding festivities that he met fellow law student and his future bride, Cathy Cotner. Cathy and Hugh were married on the 1st of July 1972, and moved to Houston where they lived happily married until Hugh’s untimely death.
For over forty years, Hugh was a named partner at Crady Jewett McCulley & Houren L.LP. Hugh appreciated the practice of law and those he worked with. He believed he was fortunate to have a career that was intellectually stimulating while working with clients he actually liked. Hugh was a practical lawyer focused on solutions to business issues. From the beginning of his law practice until his death, he represented railroad companies in their business and regulatory activities. Over the course of his career, he was counsel for just about every railroad operating in Texas. His practice was broad and included a wide range of clients in addition to the railroad companies. Hugh was a creative thinker and a realistic and practical advocate for those he represented.
Hugh enjoyed life and was always ready to be with friends and family. He loved Galveston Bay and liked nothing more than going out on the many boats he owned over the years and taking his family with him. Hugh fished whenever he could although catching often eluded him. Hugh and Cathy’s house in Morgan’s Point was the venue for more than one bayside party and seafood feast.
Hugh hunted with friends and family. He loved dogs and old cars. He told stories, enjoyed a fine drink, and would on occasion sing for his friends. But most of all he loved his wife, Cathy, and his two daughters, Ann and Marti, and their families.
Hugh was a member of The Forest Club, Los Cazadores, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Houston Yacht Club and Lakewood Yacht Club.
Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Laura and John McCulley. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; their daughter, Ann Wright and her husband, Chris, and their children, Pearl and Colt; and their daughter, Marti Boudreaux and her husband, Nathan, and their children, Louise, Catherine and Evelyn. He is also survived by his brother, Johnny, and his wife, Linda; his brother, Bryan, and his wife, Judith; his sister, Susan; his brotherin-law, Robert Cotner; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 16th of June, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd in Houston, where The Rev. R. Wesley Arning is to officiate.
In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to the University of Texas School of Law, 727 E. Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX 78705 or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056.