He was born in Gadsden, AL, on December 14, 1938. He was the son of Henry and Carolyn Culp. He is survived by his spouse, Joanna Bowen Culp and his two children, Henry (Michelle) Culp IV and Stacy (Rodney) Lankford. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Henry (Hal) Culp V and his brother, John Ralph Culp. He is survived by his grandchildren, David (Brooklyn) Culp, Rachel (CT) Moorman, William Culp Lankford, and Ryan G. Pearce.
Mr. Culp attended McCauley Military Institute Prep School and was a 1957 graduate of Etowah High School. Mr. Culp received a B.S. in Business from Jacksonville State University. At a later date, he received honorary degrees from Gadsden State Community College and Harvard Business School.
Mr. Culp began working in the scrap metal processing industry even before graduating from high school.
In the following years, he would he would go on to become the President of Culp Industries and to form its subsidiaries, Culp Iron and Metal Co, Culp Smelting and Refinery, Culp Metals Inc., Culp Welding and Supply, Culp Brokerage and Secondary Resources. He was also the Founder of C & J Financial Services
During his life time he became the President of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), he became a Member and Forum leader of the “Young Presidents Organization”. Mr. Culp was also a volunteer to several charities and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, where he received the “Man of the Year” award as well as the “President’s Award”.
Mr. Culp was also the founder of “Rapha Christian Ministries” which in turn helped thousands of men to recover from addiction. He also served 22 years as a board member of Regions Bank. He was President of the Clean and Beautiful Commission of Etowah County, Board president of the Boys Club of Etowah County, Charter President of the Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority and founding member in the creation of the Gadsden Track Club. In 2010, Mr. Culp provided buildings and funding for Open Hands Ministries through which many people received food and clothing as well as spiritual counseling.
Mr. Culp loved to exercise and was an avid runner. Between the years of 1975 and 1995, Mr. Culp ran over 25,000 miles, ran two marathons, and multiple half marathons. He was also a long time Auburn fan until his grandsons Will and Hal entered the University of Alabama to receive their masters in accounting and would then switch colors at times.
Visitation will be held at Collier Butler Funeral Home from 11:30am to 1:30pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. A graveside service will be held at Forrest Cemetery following the visitation hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breakaway Ministries at P.O. Box 1552, Gadsden, AL 35902. The family is especially grateful to friend Larry Murray and caretaker Willie Jennings.
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