Don was born on July 16, 1932 to Joe B. Culbertson and Mae Flanary Culbertson in Gate City, VA. Don lost his father at the tender age of 11, and became the head of household for his mother and brother.His life was filled with hardships only known to few.
After graduating from Midway High School in 1950, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 as a Machinery Repairman, where he served for four years in Norfolk, VA and was a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves until 1960.
In 1953, Don married his high school sweetheart, Alleen Henry. They went on to have one son, Timothy (Tim) Culbertson.
Don had a knack for reaching out to people with a humor that reflected experiences in his life. He had a healing influence on a special few, and filled a hole in the hearts of nephews Jeff,
Jamie, and Joe after the loss of their father and his brother, Bruce.
Don worked for many years as a self-employed electrical contractor at Culbertson Electric, with many years dedicated to the Kingsport plant of General Shale. He hired and mentored a deep connection to a special friend and co-worker, Terry Fletcher.
He was a godly man and a dedicated member of Cassidy Methodist Church in Indian Springs.
He was an avid fisherman and grouse hunter. He walked many miles across Tennessee and Virginia with his trusted hunting dog, Butch and his special hunting partner, Ronnie Horne.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe B. Culbertson and Mae Culbertson, Brother, Bruce Culbertson and sister-in-law Beth Culbertson, and son, Tim “Cubby” Culbertson.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 73 years, Alleen Culbertson, granddaughter, Bailey Childers (Larry), Daughter-in-Law, Rhonda Parks Culbertson (Terry Huffman), nephews Jeff Culbertson (Kim), Jamie Culbertson (Margaret) , and Joe B. Culbertson (Michelle), great granddaughter, Baillie Childers, and step-grandson, Brian Clarke (Carter Davidson), and many life-long friends.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Visiting Angels and Gentiva Hospice.
