John Bernard "Bernie" Cullison, 81, of Ridge, MD died March 27, 2013 at his home in Ridge, MD, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 27, 1932 in Pearson (now Patuxent River Naval Air Station) MD, he is the son of the late J. Henry Cullison Sr. and Ethel M. Trossbach.

Bernie married his late wife, Pat, on August 3, 1968 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Before her death on February 13, 2013, they spent 44 wonderful years together.

He farmed, raising livestock and harvesting grain for over twenty-five years. He was then employed by the Office of Public Works at Patuxent River Naval Air Center as a carpenter until his retirement. After retirement, Bernie worked many other jobs, including Carroll's Equipment, Cherry Cove, and Bayshore Nursery. He was a member of Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, serving for over 60 years. He received the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association Hall of Fame Award for his dedicated service and commitment to the fire department. He enjoyed wood working, gardening, racing boats and fishing. Bernie was a "jack of all trades" and more amazingly a "master of them all" and he enjoyed teaching others and helping them learn new skills.

Bernie is survived by his children, Randy Norris (Theresa) of Hughesville, MD, Sharon Purcell (Joe) of Ridge, MD, Hal Norris (Lynette) of Saginaw, MI, and Brian Norris (Kim) of Leonardtown, MD; his son-in-law, Bob Thompson of Lexington Park, MD; his grandchildren, JC Leavy, Josh Leavy, Jennifer Purcell, Joey Purcell, Melissa Norris, Angela Norris, Jason Thompson, Jessica Freeman, Jacqueline Norris, Kateline Norris, and Jonathon Norris; eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His Siblings Agnes C. Bean, Joe Cullison (Margaret), Dorothy Smith, Audrey Pratt, James Henry Cullison Jr.(Sharon), and sister-in law Madeline Cullison.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Thompson, and brother Billy Cullison.

Pallbearers will be: JC Leavy, Josh Leavy, Joey Purcell, Jason Thompson, Jason Aldridge, and Charles Downs, with Jarrett Leavy and Jonathon Norris serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

Family will receive friends for Bernie's Life Celebration on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 16566 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD 20680. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Scott Woods at 11:00 a.m. with interment following in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.