June 19, 2023 - TRA Newswire -

From the beginning of his law practice until his death on June 10th, Hugh McCulley represented railroad companies in their business and regulatory activities. Over the course of his career, he was counsel for just about every railroad operating in Texas. His practice was broad and included a wide range of clients in addition to the railroad companies. Hugh was a creative thinker and a realistic and practical advocate for those he represented.

Hugh was a Houston-area native and graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee in 1969, where he served as President of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. In 1972, He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and began an over fifty years career as a lawyer.

For over forty years, Hugh was a named partner at Crady Jewett McCulley & Houren L.LP. Hugh appreciated the practice of law and those he worked with. He believed he was fortunate to have a career that was intellectually stimulating while working with clients he actually liked. Hugh was a practical lawyer focused on solutions to business issues. 

He was active with the Texas Railroad Association and served on the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments in their Transportation Policy section as an ex-officio member representing freight rail interests. Hugh represented BNSF Railway, Houston Belt & Terminal Railway Company, Port Terminal Railroad Association and Texas City Terminal Railway Company.

McCulley is pictured with Union Pacific Public Affairs Vice President Brenda Mainwaring and Harris County Transit Services Director Ken Fickes at a BayTrans event.

For years he represented railroads in Houston working with the Harris County Toll Road Authority to extend the Hardy Toll Road 3 miles into the downtown area. This important mobility extension involved relocating rail tracks and building grade-separated overpasses and underpasses. Representing Houston Belt and Terminal, McCulley was quoted in the Houston Chronicle August 22, 2011: "The railroad's not trying to really collect a premium for the land," McCulley said. "The main thing we get out of this is just a better route for our new track. And, of course, the three grade separations are good for the city and good for the railroad."

He served on the Houston-Galveston Area Council Regional Commuter Rail Connectivity Study Oversight Task Force in 2008.

McCulley was quoted in a 2007 TxDOT report prepared by the Center for Transportation Research at the University of Austin that centered around protecting and preserving rail corridors against encroachment by incompatible users. He noted that over the years there have been many cases brought by the railroads and individuals regarding nuisance issues, trespass and environmental issues. For example, homeowners have brought suit due to noise and vibration after purchasing homes close to railroad corridors and railroads have brought suit over trespass to their property. 

A memorial service was held on Friday, June 16, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to the University of Texas School of Law, 727 E. Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX 78705 or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056.