John L Culpepper, Jr.

John L. Culpepper, Jr.

Services Celebrating the life of Mr. John L. Culpepper, Jr. will begin at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at First Baptist Church Meridian with Dr. Will Wall officiating. Service Music will be provided by Mr. Barry Germany, Mrs. Miriam Chesney, Rev. David Bishop, Dr. Jason Brooks, and Mr. Clint Walker. A Private Family Interment will follow graveside rites at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Culpepper, 79, of Meridian, died Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Hard work was always a vital part of John’s life, his first job was working with his father, in their junkyard, United Salvage; he went on to work as a runner with First     National Bank. John was a graduate of the Class of 1963 of Meridian High School; he went on to graduate from Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University where he completed his BA in Accounting. Following his graduation, he worked in   Jackson for several years while completing his CPA. In 1971, he founded John L.      Culpepper, CPA. Today, this business is serving the people of Lauderdale and surrounding Counties, as Culpepper, Culpepper, and Hurtt, CPA. John’s legacy is long-standing; one of his proudest accomplishments was working with his entire immediate family, and his work family.

John was a Freemason and member of Saints John Lodge of Meridian. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church Meridian where he served on various committees through the years. He enjoyed working in Meridian Youth League Baseball and was the Treasurer of Meridian Little Theatre for over 25 years. He was active in his community, serving as Treasurer of numerous organizations including The Key Chapter of The American Red Cross, The Optimist Club in Meridian, The Sons of American Revolution, and The Sons of the Confederacy. He also enjoyed serving Meals on Wheels in Meridian.

He was a collector of many things, from Corvettes and Harley Davidson Motorcycles to Furniture and Antiques; all of his purchases have a story behind them, which John always enjoyed telling. He also enjoyed farming and raising goats and sheep on his farm in Clarke County. In his later years, John loved being outdoors, walking daily, trapping beavers, and tending to his “Sanctuary” at home. He loved fishing and tending to his deer, ducks, fish, and his one special soft-shell turtle. Above all his love of Christ was always evident to everyone he met; his second love was his family, who lovingly referred to him as “Dudy.” John always treated everyone, clients and friends, as he would want to be treated, and taught his family and employees to do the same.

John is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Gaile Culpepper; children, Jonda Henry (Brad) and John L “Lan” Culpepper, III, (Susan); grandchildren, Myles Culpepper and Katie Grace Culpepper (Zach Kirk); his nephews, Kip Shannon (Heidi) and Scott     Shannon; his nieces, Kerry Fohner and Nicole Shannon, as well as a host of extended family members, friends, and his special rescue dog, Joe.

Mr. Culpepper is preceded in death by his parents, John L. Culpepper, Sr. and Hazel Scott Culpepper; his sister Pat Culpepper Shannon; his brother-in-law, Dr. Buddy Shannon; and his dogs, Rocky and Jackie.

Pallbearers will be Brad Henry, Myles Culpepper, Tommy Hurtt, Elliot Brewer, Braden Smith, and Reed Scarbrough. Honorary Pallbearers will be Members of the Seekers Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church-Meridian, and his work family at Culpepper, Culpepper, & Hurtt, CPA.

The Culpepper Family suggests memorials be made as donations to First Baptist Church Meridian – 701 26th Ave Meridian, MS 390301, SCAR (Southern Cross Animal Rescue)-1712 Hwy 184 E. Laurel, MS 39443, Roadside Rescue- P.O. Box 921 Marion, MS 39342 or East Mississippi Animal Rescue 2440 North Hills St. Suite 105-107 Meridian, MS 39305 in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Culpepper Family will receive guests from 12:30 PM until 2:15 PM prior to funeral rites at First Baptist Church.