Through his 20-year career as a college football coach, Charlie McCullers was on some of the most recognizable fields in the sport. But his career started on a smaller field, right here in Plant City. Before he was “Coach Mac,” before he found himself at Vanderbilt, Mississippi and Kentucky, McCullers was an all-conference player at running back and quarterback for Plant City High School.
Mr. McCullers, 75, died Nov. 12, 2014 in New Port Richey. A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the home of Jim and Ola Jean Hardee, 1112 N. Knight St., Plant City.
Born Sept. 10, 1939 in Plant City to James Clarence McCullers and Mary Evelyn McCullers, he spent his childhood in Dover and Coronet where he worked in the strawberry fields and tended to pepper patches in support of the family.
He met his wife, Mary Jacquelyn (Jackie) Hardee, when he was a senior at Plant City High School. Jackie was only in eighth grade. But after a cousin persuaded Jackie’s mother to allow her to go on a double date to prom, they became close.
“He was a good looking older guy,” Jackie said. “A big jock, a big football player.”
Mr. McCullers excelled athletically on the track team. But it was football that had snagged his interest. During his senior season he served as co-captain of the football team and was recognized as an all-conference player. He signed a national letter-of-intent to play at the University of Tampa.
Mr. McCullers made big waves at the University of Tampa, as well. Under then-coach Marcelino “Chelo” Huerta, he was named team MVP and was a small college All American selection during his senior year in 1961. His 98-yard touchdown run during an October 1960 game still stands as the record for longest run from a scrimmage against Tennessee in Volunteer history.
He graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s of science in physical education. And in 1969, he was inducted into the University of Tampa Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding athletic play, as well as his coaching abilities.
After graduating, Mr. McCullers joined the Spartan football coaching staff as a graduate assistant. This was the start of his lifetime legacy, living a nomadic, cross-country existence all in the name of football.
Mr. McCullers followed his college coach and mentor, Huerta, to Wichita State in 1963 and then to Parsons College in Iowa. In 1967, he joined Pepper Rodgers’ staff at the University of Kansas as offensive coordinator. Just a year later, Kansas would win it’s only Big 8 Championship, earning a spot as the Big 8 representative at the Orange Bowl. Mr. McCullers also coached in the Liberty Bowl for Kansas in 1973 and was able to recruit and coach several All Americans and future NFL players including Bobby Douglas, John Zook, David Jaynes, Delvin Williams, Robert Miller and NFL Hall of Famer John Riggins.
From Kansas, he would coach at the University of Mississippi (1974-1976), Vanderbilt University (1977-1978) and the University of Kentucky (1979-1981).
Throughout his career, his family had been by his side, living in all of the quaint college towns along with gladiator athletes and diehard fans. The University of Mississippi was one of their favorite spots.
“We were all Ole Miss Rebels,” Jackie said. “I got my bachelor’s there. I know some of (my children’s) friends might not like us saying that. They had a lot of friends in Lexington, Kentucky. We liked it there, too.”
In 1982, so not to relocate his family once again, Mr. McCullers left the college coaching carousel and began using his competitive nature in business. He joined WKYT-TV and the UK football television network as a color commentator on University of Kentucky football telecasts. Simultaneously, he joined the WKYT advertising sales team. It was during this time he was granted the title of Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
In 1986, Mr. McCullers would return home to Plant City, joining Jim Hardee Equipment Co. His second career as a business executive would lead him to Atlanta as an executive for Heil Manufacturing before his retirement in 2004.
Throughout his life, Mr. McCullers had a love for the game. But he also had a love for his players, growing them in not only their athletic ability, but in their character and values as men. During his final years, he was a volunteer coach at Gulf and Ridgewood High schools in New Port Richey, tutoring quarterbacks and doing what he truly loved.
“He was a very caring person,” Jackie said. “He was able to have a lot of influence over the young men who played for him. He developed them.”
Mr. McCullers was a loving and husband, father and grandfather. He loved his heritage, loved the salt water, his orchids and stood proud of who he was and what he represented.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie; son, Mark (Candy), of Columbus; daughters, Sharon Ezell (Steve), of Brandon, Mississippi, and Karen McCullers, of New Port Richey; grandchildren, Corey McCullers, Camryn McCullers, Carson McCullers, Owen Ezell, Addison Ezell, Anderson Ezell, Jennie Ezell; and great granddaughter, Adella. Also surviving is his brother, Fred McCullers (Donna Faye), of Live Oak, Florida, and many loving nieces, nephews and family.
In lieu of flowers and for their loving care, the family requests donations in his name be made to: HPH Hospice Foundation, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson. HPH-Hospice.org.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.