Richard Richie Thomas Cullen, 81, of Panama City, FL passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Monday, January 30, 2012. Richie was born in Brooklyn, NY to Michael and Mary Cullen. He graduated from high school in Puerto Rico. At the young age of 52, he graduated on the Deans List from Gulf Coast Community College with an Associate Degree in Science. He served in the US Navy from 1947 to 1953, when he enlisted in the US Air Force. He retired in 1974 after 26 years of service. He proudly served his country in two Wars. He served 3 years in Korea and 3 tours of duty in Viet Nam. He was awarded multiple medals throughout his distinguished military career. Richie was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Margaret Cullen; brothers, Michael Joseph Cullen and Hugh Cullen; sister, Elizabeth Kershaw and his nephew, Michael Kershaw. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elsie H. Cullen; daughters, Mary Ann Louks (Gary) of CO and Patricia A. Fell (John) of Pensacola, FL; grandsons, Dwain T. Whitehead (Katharine) of NE and Richard W. Fell of Pensacola, FL and a very special and loving person whom he considered a son, Phillip D. Whitehead (Janice) of NE. Visitation will be held from 9:00am until 10:00am Friday, February 3, 2012 with Funeral services beginning at 10:00am from Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Burial follows at Barrancas National Cemetery with full honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice Inpatient & Palliative Care Center at West Florida Hospital. The family wishes to give Special Thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Covenant Hospice Inpatient & Palliative Care at West Florida Hospital and the Doctors and Nurses at West Florida Hospital for their compassion and wonderful care of not only Richard, but the family as well. Their caring helped us through this time. They will always be in our prayers. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.