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Mars Hill University University of North Carolina

FUNERAL HOME

L. Harold Poole Funeral Service and Crematory

944 Old Knight Road

Knightdale, North Carolina

Vernon Culpepper Obituary

Vernon Clay Culpepper, Sr.

Raleigh

Vernon Clay Culpepper, Sr. 82, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014. He was born in Nash County to the late Harvey Andrus Culpepper and Etta Hackney Culpepper. Vernon grew up in Rocky Mount. He graduated from Rocky Mount High School and later attended Mars Hill College and the University of North Carolina, where he obtained a Master's in Education degree. He taught 10 years at Williams High School in Burlington and then went to serve with the NC Teachers' Association as an education and teacher advocate. Vernon was always an advocate for peoples' rights and benefits and loved and served his church and church family. He was a generous man who lived a full and joyful life, who spread "donuts and joy." Vernon was a much loved and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. We shared ordinary and extraordinary blessings. Having shared his life for 59 plus years - "I can no other answer make than thanks and thanks and ever thanks."

Vernon is survived by his wife: Alva Wallace Culpepper; son: Clay Culpepper (Diane) of Raleigh; daughter: Julie C. Harp (Glenn) of Cassatt, SC; grandchildren: Glenn Harp, Jr. (Danielle), Geremy Harp (T. K.) and Nicholas Culpepper; great-grandson: Dilon Harp; brothers: Milton C. Culpepper (Lucy) of Rocky Mount, John W. Culpepper (Robin) of Savannah, GA and Dennis W. Culpepper (Brenda) of Rocky Mount; sisters: Merle C. Taylor of Rocky Mount, Amie C. Hunt of Raleigh, Sheila C. Burnett of Spartanburg, SC and Jeanette Culpepper of Rocky Mount.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Harvey A. Culpepper, Jackson B. Culpepper and a sister: Lula C. Thomas.

A service to celebrate Vernon's life will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 18, 2104 at New Hope Baptist Church, 4301 Louisburg Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. The family will greet relatives and friends immediately following the service in the church foyer.

Condolences to the family may be sent to poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Feb. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Culpepper

20 Entries

John Flowers

February 26, 2014

Mr. Culpepper was one of my favorite teachers at Williams High School. He had humor and a smile for all of us. I remember him as an advocate for rights of teachers as he commented that you never know who may be listening to us on the PA system. We all loved and respected him. May he rest in peace.

February 22, 2014

Milton, Lucy, Dennis and Brenda are very dear friends of mine and I have enjoyed hearing many good Culpepper family times and know how close they are. I am sorry that I did not know Vernon personally but the newspaper verified all the good things I had heard. He touched a lot of lives in many happy and gratifying ways. I extend my very deepest sympathy to each of you during this time of great loss. May God bless you , give you comfort, peace and strong faith. Selma W. Davis, Smithfield, N.C.

wayne culpepper

February 21, 2014

thank you uncle vernon for many acts of kindness and generosity. you were a great uncle and an inspiration to others .

Robert Palsha

February 20, 2014

Mr. Culpepper was a great teacher and a great influence on my life. He offered me an opportunity for which I will be forever thankful. Thank you Mr. Culpepper.

Linda Wootton Sloan

February 18, 2014

Mr. Culpepper was such a positive influence on so many young lives while teaching at Williams High. I was one of his students in the 60's who later became a teacher also. My thoughts and prayers are with you all .

Bill Wilson

February 18, 2014

Vernon did indeed spread donuts and joy. He lit up the room when he entered it, and made other joyful by his presence.

Roxanne Thrower

February 18, 2014

You never left being with Vernon without a smile on your face. We enjoyed our dinners together in Camden. He was a joy, and we will miss
him.

Anna Gerow

February 17, 2014

Mr. Culpepper taught me History at Williams High School, and I loved him! He was such a good teacher! Then, I would see him occasionally as I went into teaching and attended NCAE events. My condolences to all the family.

Danita Sullivan

February 17, 2014

Alva, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My memories of Vernon are of his wonderful sense of humor and of his professionalism at NCAE. I have not forgotten what good advice and support Vernon gave Tina & I early in our professional career with WCPSS. My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family.

February 17, 2014

I was a fellow teacher at Williams High School in Burlington,NC Vernon was loved by all the educators in the Burlington City Schools.
We were brothers in "teacher voice"
Ron Lee (Gibsonville,NC)

February 17, 2014

Alva and family, So sorry for your loss. I didn't know Mr. Culpepper, but if his choice of his wife is any indication of his character; I am sure he was a wonderful man who will be really missed. Will be praying for all of you. Susan Denning, Raleigh NC

Bob Canavan

February 17, 2014

Condolences and thanks to the Family of Vernon Culpepper for sharing his warmth, humor, and kindness with the people he touched. Vernon guided, advised and helped so many. The thoughts of all who were fortunate to have shared in Vernon's life are with his family now. Thank you again Vernon. Bob Canavan

sandra harris

February 17, 2014

Mr. Culpepper taught me at Williams HS. He left a lasting impression on my life. He was a great teacher.
I send my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.

Deborah Harris Ivery

February 16, 2014

Vernon was really a legend in his own time. He was very kind to me in my new position with NCAE and I will always be grateful. Prayers to the family.

February 16, 2014

Alva and family - I am thinking of you at this sad time. May all your good memories of Vernon be vivid and comforting. Take care - Marti Avant

Kaaren Brown

February 16, 2014

Alva, Clay & Julia;

I don't know where to start! Cullpepper was a dear person to me & our group! As you know he will certainly be missed! May God Bless You and Your Families! We have you in our prayers and thoughts and we will see you on Tuesday! Love You,

T. Jerry Williams

February 16, 2014

Clay and Family...I was very sorry to learn of the passing of your father this week and want you to know you have my deepest sympathy. While I did not know your Dad, I did see him and recognize him at Big Ed's when he visited with his buddies. Please know you are in my thoughts during this time of great loss. My deepest sympathy to you and all of your family during these dark hours.

Peter & Steve Toggerson

February 16, 2014

Thanks for expressing it well Ron. A great many of us are in his debt, probably more people than anyone will ever know given his extensive influence on the many people he touched and those who have been helped by them in turn. We, like you, are fortunate and honored to be among them.

February 16, 2014

Our sincerest sympathies and prayers are for the family of Vernon Culpepper. However difficult it is to accept his departing,we can all take comfort in our meeting loved ones in heaven some day. Jesus grants us 'the peace that passes all understanding." Sincerely, Roy and Maria Harp-Flower Mound, TX

Ron McKinney

February 16, 2014

Vernon was a friend who taught me a lot about NCAE staff work. He made a difference in many lives. Prayers for his wonderful wife, Alva, and his children and grandchildren.

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