Welton Ray McCulley Sr. was born on October 6, 1953, to the late Gladys Samuel McCulley and J.W. "Nuke" McCulley of Call, Texas. Significantly, he had two birth dates, October 13, 1953, and was ironically better known as "Wilbert Ray" in Call and Kirbyville, Texas. Welton attended Kirbyville High School, where he graduated in 1972. He was an All-American scholar in sports, attending varsity football, basketball, and track and field, and earned a guaranteed four-year college scholarship.

Welton accepted Christ and was baptized at the age of seven. He attended Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Call, Texas, where he was part of the music ministry, singing in the choir, and served faithfully in the usher ministry. He kept God first in everything he did and truly loved his family. He met his high school sweetheart, Earline Robertson, and welcomed their first child, LaCrease Robertson, in 1972.

The love between them was so strong that they married the following year in 1973. He later moved to Lake Jackson, where he worked at Dow Chemical for five years to support his household. During this time, they welcomed their second child, Dominique McCully, in 1974. As the years went by, he continued providing for his growing family and later worked for Malone & Hyde for one year, welcoming his third child, Erica McCully, in 1977.

In 1978, Welton welcomed his fourth child, Addie McCully. His career in machinery and assembly began to flourish when he gained employment at American Valve & Hydrant, which became a lifelong career and a foundation for supporting his family.

In 1985, Welton welcomed twin sons, Welton Ray McCully Jr. and Wilbert Ray McCully. During time away from his busy work schedule, he enjoyed cooking, barbecuing, watching high school, collegiate, and professional football, and was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He coached basketball teams for local church community groups, competed in cookouts, baked, sang, and danced—earning the nickname "Disco Dog."

In 1997, his family continued to grow when they unexpectedly welcomed their final child, Rachel McCully, their miracle baby. Welton and his wife were blessed with seven beautiful children, 20 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, with more to come in their growing family tree.

Welton and his family served the Lord faithfully for 14 years at Borden Chapel, where he sang in the choir, served in the men's ministry, the usher ministry, and was an established deacon on the deacon board. He also spread the gospel by serving at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Call, Texas, for five years, and Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas, for ten years, which became his final church home. There, he devoted himself fully to the Lord, creating lasting peace, harmony, and relationships.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Earline Robertson McCully; daughter, LaCrease Robertson; mother, Gladys Samuel McCulley; father, J.W. "Nuke" McCulley; brothers, Roy Lee Smith, George "Ebb" Smith, Vern McCulley, and Curtis Ray McCulley; and sister, Francis Elaine McCulley-Walker.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Dominique McCully (Marlo), Erica Lewis (John), Addie McCully, Welton Ray McCully Jr. (Elizabeth), Wilbert McCully (Mila), and Rachel McCully (Tevin); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Larry McCulley Sr. (Javannah), Clyde McCulley, and Carl McCulley Sr. (Pearline); sister, Joyce McCulley; and many other relatives and friends.

A favorite Bible verse of his reads, "I shall live, not die." He was the truest man of God anyone could ask for. Go on and receive your wings—fly on, Daddy. We will always love you.