Dr. J. Charles (Charlie) Culbreath, Jr., 90, passed peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Dr. Culbreath was born in Columbia, SC to Helen Gash Culbreath and James Charlie Culbreath in 1935. He was married to Beverly Brown of Atlanta, GA and together they raised three children. Charlie was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Claire. He is survived by his sons, Scott (Karen), Wade (Teri), grandchildren, Hana and Maia, his loving sister Nancy (Chuck), nephews, niece and cousins, along with his cherished and devoted companion, Susan Montgomery, formerly of Spartanburg, SC. Dr. Culbreath received the Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and practiced his profession for 45 years in Winston-Salem, beginning in 1964 with one dental assistant. He was joined in practice by Dr. John P. Pruitt in 1980. Together, they built a practice consisting of seven dentists and twenty five assistants, reported to be the largest private dental practice in North Carolina. Dr. Culbreath was a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as well as the Wake Forest Baptist Church and the Stratford Rotary Club. He played woodwind instruments, principally the saxophone, all of his life, receiving the Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University. In addition to being a soloist with the Winston-Salem Symphony, he led the Charlie Culbreath Orchestra, a sixteen-piece ensemble that played regularly for the Mental Health Ball, the Carolina Street Scene, Wake Forest Graduation Ball, the opening of the Sawtooth Center, and other events. He directed Musical Theatre, conducting orchestras for the Winston-Salem Little Theatre and for the High Point Community Theatre. More recently, Charlie played weekly jazz with his quartet at Milner's Southern Cuisine for 10 years. He enjoyed writing witty poetry, loved jokes, and brought people together from all walks of life through music. A celebration of his life will be held at Salem Funerals and Cremations, 2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC on September 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

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

Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Aug. 24, 2025.

Memorial Events
for James Culbreath

Sep

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd.

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC

Funeral services provided by:

Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd.

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Memories and Condolences
for James Culbreath

Sponsored by Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd..

10 Entries

Jane Perdue

August 27, 2025

Sorry for your loss prayers for you and your family

Jonathan Allen

August 25, 2025

I always loved Charlie´s unassuming, calm and peaceful way that he went through life. He knew who he was, and felt very comfortable in his own skin. His soft and lilting voice could do nothing but leave you with a sense of peace and calm. Not sure I´ve ever met someone with as much talent in different realms as life.
I will never forget the far too few times I got to spend with him on extended family Spring Break beach vacations, or at numerous Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
He never failed to show up without audio/video materials with which to brag about his equally talented children. May God comfort all of you in your grief.
I will miss him greatly, and have been blessed to have shared a few moments of life together.

Debra Mabe

August 25, 2025

Scott, and family on behalf of John Mabe, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. John thought a lot of your father, and Claire. He loved to talk about the times he helped set up your Dad's instruments, and what fine musician he was. My prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Jim Shertzer

August 24, 2025

Dr. Culbreath - along with another Dr. Larry Weiss - did some very fine work for the Little Theatre. "The Decline and Fall of the Entire World as Seen Through the Eyes of Cole Porter," from some 50 years ago and which Culbreath conducted, remains in mind as the Little Theater's finest hour and perhaps most professional production.

Robin King

August 21, 2025

Thankful for the years and times togrther.

Shamia

August 21, 2025

Sending my condolences

alex moser, dds

August 19, 2025

Charlie was a fine dentist, musician and all around great human being. I send my sincere condolences to the entire family.

Vicky Ayers Taylor

August 19, 2025

As a child he and his Family were wonderful neighbors. Sorry for your loss.

Stan Simm

August 19, 2025

Dr. Culbreath was my dentist from the time I moved here in 1974 until he retired. He was a great dentist, a true gentleman and a fine musician.

Mary L Robertson

August 19, 2025

He was my Dentist, employer and friend! Fond memories in all regards !

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