Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Walter Culbertson Obituary
Walter graduated from R.A. Clement High School in Cleveland, NC. He worked for 27 years as a laborer at Allied Automotive (Bendix) and later spent 12 years at Performance Fibers, where he retired.
Walter married Shirley (Strange) Culbertson in 1962 in Salisbury, NC, and they shared 59 happy years together. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Ruling Elder and had previously served as Clerk of Session and treasurer. He was also a Mason and enjoyed fishing and bowling.
In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Culbertson; his brother, Marvin (Carolyn) Culbertson; and his sisters, Mary Frances (John) Taylor, Grace (Thomas) Jones, and Rosetta (Tyrone) Askew.
Walter is survived by his five children: Sylvester (Tracy) Culbertson, Deborah Culbertson, and Ryan (Tiffany) Culbertson, all of Cleveland, NC; Dwayne (Emily) Culbertson of Davidson, NC; and Abdulla (Bouchra) Wali-Uddin, formerly Raynard Culbertson, of Spencer, NC. He is also survived by his brother, Roman (Dorothy) Culbertson of Cleveland, NC; his uncle, Gary Hall of Cleveland, NC; and a special brother-in-law, Walter (Mary) Rankin of Troutman, NC. He was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Culbertson
3 Entries
Debbie Koontz Horne
September 1, 2026
Such wonderful memories of Mr Culbertson and coaching our Cleveland Elementary basketball teams. If we were outside playing he always stopped by the house to say hello. Prayers to the family. A great man
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sylvester Leon Fleming & Sara Cannon-Fleming
August 30, 2026
To the Children of Walter Ransom Culbertson-- Sylvester, Deborah, Ryan, Dwayne, and Abdulla; grand and great-grandchildren; brother-Roman and other family members:
In Loving Memory of Walter Ransom Culbertson
85 Years of a Life Well Lived, Loved, and Remembered
Walter Ransom Culbertson was a devoted family man, a faithful servant of God, and a cherished member of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church family. At 85 years of age, Ransom had touched many lives through his kindness, quiet strength, gentle spirit, and the love he so freely shared with others.
Ransom was a kind and soft-spoken man. He did not have to be the loudest person in the room to make his presence known. His actions spoke for him. He showed love through the little things-his thoughtful words, his willingness to listen, his stories, his laughter, and the simple kindness he extended to those around him.
At Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, Ransom was more than a member; he was a familiar and faithful presence. Each Sunday after worship, Ransom made it a point to speak to each person. He wanted to know that everyone was seen, welcomed, and acknowledged. That simple act of greeting others was one of the many ways he showed his love for his church family. We have only been members at Mount Vernon for about 18 months. Ransom's welcoming spirit and that of other church members made us feel at home.
On August 23, 2026, the church had its 156th Homecoming; Ransom was truly missed. There was also a song that seemed especially fitting for Ransom, one that he would faithfully sing during Holy Communion: "I Know That It Was the Blood for Me."
Hearing Ransom sing that song was a familiar and treasured part of worship. His voice became part of the memories of those who worshiped beside him, and the words of that song reflected the faith that was important to his life.
Another recent memory many will hold close is July 19, 2026. During the announcements, Ransom stood and thanked the members of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church who had attended his surprise 85th birthday dinner. It was such a simple moment, yet it captured so much of who he was-grateful, humble, appreciative, and always thinking about the people who had shown him love.
For his family, countless memories will never fade.
Remember the kind things Ransom did. Remember the stories he told and the wisdom he shared. Remember the family trips, the cookouts, the laughter, the meals, the conversations, and the ordinary moments that became extraordinary because he was there.
Those memories are now treasures.
Family, continue to tell those stories. Talk about Ransom around the dinner table. Share the pictures. Tell the children and grandchildren who he was, how he loved, how he served, how he treated people, and how he made others feel. Tell the next generation about the family trips and cookouts, the laughter and lessons, and the simple moments that made your family special.
In doing so, Ransom's legacy will continue.
A person's life does not end when their earthly journey is complete. Their love continues in the hearts of those they touched. Their words live on in the stories we tell. Their example lives on in the way we treat one another. Their faith lives on in those who follow the path they helped illuminate. Ransom leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, kindness, gratitude, and love.
May you remember him not only with sadness, but with gratitude-for the years you were blessed to have him, for the memories he gave you, and for the love he shared so generously.
When you gather together, when you worship, when you share a meal, when a familiar story is told, or when that beloved Communion song is sung, may you smile and remember Ransom. "I Know That It Was the Blood for Me."
May his memory forever be a blessing, and may his life continue to speak through the family and church community he loved.
"When waste and age and shock and strife
Have sapped the walls of life
Will thy take thy dust of mercy worn
And mold it into a healthy form."
-----------------------------------------------Rosa White Lytle
Walter Ransom Culbertson, work here is done, but may his love, faith, and memories live on.
I know it was the blood,
I know it was the blood,
I know it was the blood for me
One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross
And I know it was the blood for me
They pierced Him in the side.
They pierced Him in the side
They pierced Him in the side for me
One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross
And I know it was the blood for me
The blood came streaming down
The blood came streaming down
The blood came streaming down for me
One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross
And I know it was the blood for me
He never said a mumblin' word
He never said a mumblin' word
He never said a mumblin' word for me
One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross
And I know it was the blood for me
----------------------------Unknown
Loving Kindness,
The Flemings
Mount Ulla, North Carolina
William Theodore (Jimmy) Morrison Jr
August 30, 2026
To Ransom´s family. Sorry to hear of his passing. I found him to be a man of faith, trust and commitment to righteousness.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Culbertson's name
Memorial Events
for Walter Culbertson
Funeral services provided by:
Carroll-Waters Funerals and Cremations - Cleveland111 Railroad Street P.O. BOX 208, Cleveland, NC 27013
People and places connected with Walter
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Walter's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Walter Culbertson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more