Robert Culbertson

Robert Culbertson

Robert E. Culbertson of Tallahassee, Florida passed away at his home on August 17, 2017.

Bob was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina to well educated, depression era parents. Following high school, he spent nine years in the Navy, serving first as an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) diver and later in communications as a radio and camera man.

He began his post-secondary education while teaching math and serving as the Dean of Students for Dreher High School in Columbia, South Carolina, and working two additional jobs. At Dreher he established and coached the forensics (debate) team which produced two Harland B. Mitchell national policy debate champions.

The family moved to Florida where Bob continued his education while working for Civil Defense installing and inspecting bomb shelters in county courthouses. He received his Ph. D. in American history from the University of South Carolina. When Tallahassee Community College opened in 1966, Bob was hired as one of the first history instructors. He ended his professional career as the Director of the Division of Social Sciences, a position he held for almost two decades.

In retirement, Bob led Bible study for eight years focusing on the impact historical context, translation, and the author's agenda had on early religious writings. He never stopped searching for knowledge and understanding, yet was free to admit the potential challenges to his interpretations and the possibility that future evidence would alter his beliefs. Thankfully, he found humor in even the most solemn research topics.

Bob's laugh was more of a roar, and was famous for the delight it brought to his company, and the shock it caused any unprepared bystanders. In terms of personality and stature, he was larger than life. Bob was a human force of nature, and the love and warmth that radiated from him has helped sustain his family and friends through his passing, and will continue to be treasured alongside a lifetime of joyful memories.

Bob was predeceased by his brothers Grady, Bill, Tab and Lewis. He is survived by his wife Patricia; four children, Doug and his wife Tina, Gregg and his wife Barbara, Graham and his girlfriend Lisa, and Rhea Oaks and her husband Shane; and his sister Ellen. He has four grandchildren, Renay Haynes, Tristan Culbertson, Mia Culbertson and Molly Oaks; three great grandchildren, Lorelai, Coraline, and Elizabeth; and four nieces, Anne, Renee, Lynn and Lee Ellen and two nephews, Grady III and Tab.

A service will be held at St. Paul's, Quincy, 10 W. King Street, Tuesday July 22 at 10 AM, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorials to St. Paul's or the Animal Service Foundation in Tallahassee, Fl.