Edward C. "Lavern" Culpepper

Edward C. “Lavern” Culpepper – 86 of Stockton passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Langdale Hospice House after a lengthy illness. He was born on July 3, 1932 in Stockton to the late Samuel & Juanita (Bennett) Culpepper. He graduated from Lanier County Schools and joined the United States Air Force immediately afterwards. After serving his country in the military, he began working for NASA at Cape Canaveral as an Ordinance Engineer with the Mercury & Gemini Programs. After returning to Stockton, he began his career in Forestry. He worked in various aspects of forestry, but found his passion as a timber broker. He owned and operated Tall Timber, Inc. While working was a passion, his greatest love was serving his Lord and Savior. He was an active member of Stockton Baptist Church. He was well known to spend hours reading the living word of God. He shared his knowledge with others as he believed in discipleship. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Otis Culpepper.
Survivors Include: Wife of 60 years, Betty Culpepper, Stockton; 2 Daughters & Sons-in-law: Carolyn & Bobby Zirkel, Medina, TX, Kim & Roger Parrish, Valdosta; Son: Dwayne Culpepper, Stockton; 3 Grandchildren: Scott Zirkel (Melissa), Brad Zirkel (Dianne) & Camden Parrish; 5 Great Grandchildren: Austin Zirkel, Caleb Zirkel, Annie Zirkel, Emily Zirkel & Crista Zirkel; 4 Sisters-in-law: Margaret Culpepper, Stockton, Dolly Pruett, Mt. Juliet, TN, Bobbie Ingram, Cocoa, FL, Jackie Monarch, Lake Butler, FL and a number of nieces, nephews, friends & a loving church family.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in the Stockton Baptist Church with burial following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Culpepper family is being cared for by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services, Lakeland.