Services for Max Culpepper will be held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Pine Grove Church in the Martin Community with burial in the church cemetery. Reverends Tommy Espey and David Deweese officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral in charge of arrangements. Mr. Culpepper 83, of the Martin community died June 23, 2012 at Anderson Regional Medical Center. Max Culpepper was born on March 9, 1929 to Curtis and Mattie Culpepper. He met and married the love of his life, Evelyn Jackson on July 24, 1950. Max and Evelyn made their family complete with two children, Ann and Wayne. In his younger years, Max enjoyed drag racing at local drag strips across the area. He eventually moved onto becoming a flagman at Whynot Raceway on the weekends as a side job and hobby. Max worked at Khroeler Manufacturing until it closed. He then went to work for Fruge Gas Company as a route man and made many friends through his job. Max loved to talk and get to know people so this was an ideal job for him. He never met a stranger. If he did, by the time he was through asking questions, you weren't a stranger. Max enjoyed being outside working and credited that to his long, healthy life. He would clean fence rows, cut grass, cut trees and would clean just about anything else that as he said "was hurtin' my eyes" . The only time you would not find him outside working was on Sundays. Sundays to him were a day for church and NASCAR racing. He never missed a race. Max is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn. His children, Ann and Larry Barnett and Wayne and Debbie Culpepper, all of Collinsville. His grandchildren, Angela and Shawn Gamber, Kristen and Nathan Cross and Daniel and Natalie Culpepper, all of Collinsville. His great grandchildren, Madison Benson (Punkydoo) and Judah Cross (Judah-Man). He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his second great granddaughter, Lily Fayth Cross. He leaves behind a sister, Bonnie Stringfellow of Lucedale. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Glenda and Bill McKinion of Collinsville and Val Jackson of Mobile, AL. His best friend in the world, Gail Harper who he loved to hear play and sing with his guitar. Max also leaves behind special friends, Harold and Louise Williamson. Max leaves behind a host of other family members and friends that will greatly miss him. Max was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Mattie Culpepper, brothers-in-law, LJ Jackson and Harold Stringfellow and a special cousin, Arthur Lee, who would come and watch races with him every Sunday afternoon. The family would like to thank Dr. John Halbrook and the doctors at Anderson Cancer Center for their care of Max through his illness. Also the staff and nurses on 4E at Anderson Regional Medical Center for all of your help, care and concern through his extensive stay. Dr. Doug Phillips, thanks for coming and brightening his day with your jokes and giving him the best care. Dr. Bill Reid, Dr. Jesse Penico and Dr. Tom Plavac for your expertise, care and concern throughout his hospital stay. Visitation will be held Monday 5:30 8:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home The family requests in lieu of flowers to make donations to Gideon's International for Bible purchases or to your charity of choice.
