CLEAVIE UNARIO MCCULLOUGH

Cleavie Unario McCullough, known to many as “Cleave,” “Short Dawg,” and “Dancing Man,” passed away on October 24, 2026, in Cedar Hill, Texas. He was born on December 31, 1960, in Dallas, Texas, and lived a life marked by warmth, energy, faith, and deep devotion to the people he loved.

A graduate of Seagoville High School, Class of 1979, Cleavie carried himself with a spirit that drew others in. He was funny, fearless, generous, and kindhearted, the sort of man who was often the life of the party and who believed in going all in. He was a person who helped others without hesitation, a true get-it-done man whose presence brought movement, laughter, and heart wherever he went.

Cleavie loved the simple and beautiful things of life. He loved country living, nature, animals, and the peace that came from being outdoors. He found joy in dancing, fishing, and singing in the church choir, and he loved going to church. He also took special pleasure in raising horses, chickens, and birds. Among the things that brought him happiness was riding his horse, Smokey, a reflection of the life he cherished and the freedom he embraced.

Above all, Cleavie was proud of his children and grandchildren. His family stood at the center of his life, and his love for them was one of his greatest accomplishments and deepest joys.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Dials McCullough. Together, their family circle includes his children, Crystal Brazile, Kristy McCullough, Cleavie McCullough, Landon McCullough, Neil Dials, and Lee Dials. He also leaves behind grandchildren Brianna, Brevion, De’Asia, Pharaoh, Queen, and King, as well as great-grandsons Brevion Jr and Jayvion. He is also survived by his mother, Billie Tittle; his brothers Stevie McCullough, Greg McCullough, Tim Shelby, Victor Shelby, Homer Bethany, Frederick Byrd, Don Byrd, and Roderick Byrd; and his sisters Barbara Byrd and Shoronda Tasby. Each of them carries forward the memory of a man whose love was lively, generous, and deeply felt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Toni Tasby; his stepmother, Dorothy Tasby; his daughter, Denise McCullough; his former wife, Sharon McCullough; his sisters Yolonda Tasby, Elonda Tasby, and Brenda Warren; and his brothers Beavie McCullough and Leroy McCullough. Their memory remained part of the story of his life and the family he held close.

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Cleavie during a viewing on November 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Golden Gate Funeral Home-Dallas Allene, 4155 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75224. Funeral services will be held on November 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Golden Gate Funeral Home - Dallas, 4155 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75224.

Cleavie Unario McCullough will be remembered for his fearless spirit, his dancing feet, his generous heart, and the love he poured into his family, his faith, and the life he lived. His memory will continue to move through the stories, songs, laughter, and love of all who knew him.