James Manning Culpepper Obituary

Born March 23, 1922 in the farmhouse built by his grandfather at Rosser's Ridge, Alabama to Willis Cleon Culpepper and Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie J) Culpepper. At the age of 15, he drove a school bus loaded with children from Alabama to the New York World's Fair. At this young age, he already had the sense of responsibility and dedication that accompanied him throughout his life. He was valedictorian of the class of 13 students at Cuba High School in Cuba, Alabama. He went on to graduate from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) with a degree in Agricultural Engineering.He worked for the TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, for several years. He then went to work at Lilliston Implement Company, which later became Lilliston Corporation. It was there that he met his wife, Mary, who was Mr. Jesse Lilliston's Secretary. During his career at Lilliston as the Sales Distribution and Marketing Manager, he traveled all over the world introducing the latest farming technologies to many countries. He retired after thirty seven years.For the next twenty years or so until his health began to fail, he became known as "The Garbologist". He would go out in the wee morning hours collecting aluminum cans. He had certain routes that he followed and everyone grew to know him and would even put out garbage bins exclusively for aluminum cans so he wouldn't have to root around in the trash. As well as cans, he gathered items that people had thrown away and would carry them home and clean them up or repair them. Then twice a year he would have a Trash and Treasure sale and people would come as far as sixty miles to buy some of his great bargains. The money that he made from the sale and selling cans went to the church ot help those less fortunate.He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Hudson Malone Sunday School Class and played piano for his class for almost 40 years. He was known for his quiet strength, deep faith, compassion and respect for all people no matter their race, religion or socioeconomic status.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Cotter Culpepper, a daughter, Reba Jane Culpepper and a grandson Robert Henry (Robbie) Crow III.He is survived by his beloved family, daughters Carol K. Wood (Terry) of Valdosta, Susan K. Kelliey (Bob) of Albany, Beth A. Culpepper of Albany, a sister Sarah C. Holland of Cincinnati OH, grandchildren George C. Wood (Bonnie) of Albany, Janna W. Thrift (Mark) of Valdosta and Palmer J. (PJ) Kelliey of Albany and great-granddaughter Amy Espinosa of Valdosta.

James Manning Culpepper Obituary

March 23, 1922 - June 6, 2011