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Royce Kaye McCullough, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Three Rivers Health, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on July 9th 1948 in Sturgis, Royce was a man who stayed true to where he came from. He was the son of the late Lillian J. (Ireland) Green and Louis Green. The values he carried—hard work, loyalty, and strength—weren’t just words to him; they were how he lived every single day.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra McCullough; his son, Shawn R. McCullough ( Suzie) of Sturgis; and his daughter, Jennifer Roth of Plainwell. He also leaves behind family and friends.
Royce’s pride lived on in his grandchildren Aaron Waldron of Plainwell, Adam Waldron of Sturgis, and Zoey Mettler of Constantine, each carrying forward pieces of who he was.
He was preceded in death by his grandsons, Brandon Goodfellow and Alexander Waldron; his grandparents, Carl and Lucille (Richardson) Dauber; and his stepson, Timothy Coffin.
A proud graduate of Sturgis High School, Class of 1963, Royce spent many years working at Kirch before continuing on to General Motors’ Hummer plant, where he later retired. He believed in doing things right the first time and earning everything he had.
There wasn’t much Royce didn’t know. He could fix just about anything put in front of him. He loved welding, working on cars, and restoring tractors. He had a deep appreciation for old machines—the kind built to last—just like him.
He found his peace in the outdoors—hunting, fishing, bow hunting—and in the time spent with family. Whether it was hunting antelope out west, camping up north, riding trails on four-wheelers, or watching his grandson race dirt bikes, those moments meant everything to him.
Royce was a man of quiet strength. He didn’t waste words, but when he spoke, it carried weight. He believed in respect, in showing up, and in standing by the people you care about. And if you were meeting him somewhere, you already knew—being late wasn’t an option.
Once Royce cared about you, he cared deeply and without conditions. That kind of loyalty is rare—and it’s what made him unforgettable.
His legacy isn’t just in what he did, but in how he lived, how he treated people, and the values he passed on. That will carry on far beyond his time here.
In honoring Royce’s wishes cremation has taken place. Private family services and interment of the remains at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis will take place at a later date.
The family suggests those wishing to send flowers are asked to send them directly to Royce’s wife Sandra and memorial donations would be appreciated to the American Heart Association, 3940 Peninsular Dr SE # 180, Kentwood, MI 49546or the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
“A man like Royce doesn’t leave—he stays in the stories, the lessons, and the lives he helped shape.”
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
