Mr. Robert Lee (Coach) Culp was born July 6, 1952 in Clifton, TN the son of the late Jimmie Jo Culp Linam (Jack) and late Edward Witherspoon (Bessie). Mr. Culp received his high school diploma at Frank Hughes School in Clifton, TN. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Austin Peay State University where he also played basketball and ran track. He began his teaching career at Frank Hughes School where he taught history, coached basketball, baseball and was a school bus driver for over forty years. In 1986 he lead his basketball team to a state championship. Mr. Culp was known for tough classes, dry jokes, strong whistling ability, kindness and genuine love and care for all students
As a committed member of the community, he served as a volunteer firefighter, served as city commissioner for several years and became the first and only black mayor of Clifton Tennessee. Throughout his life he was driven by faith. He was a committed member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent. As a dedicated member he was always willing and ready to serve in any capacity that was needed.
On Saturday, December 28th 2024, God called him to his permanent home. Robert loved sports, antiquing (junking), meeting and interacting with people and most of all his family. and friends.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his grandmother Martha Culp, sister Patricia Hill, uncles Donnie and Bobby Lee Culp.
Left to cherish his memory his wife of over 50 years is his wife Barbara Culp, his son Kevin Culp (Jennifer), his daughter Tiffany Culp Johnson (Robert); Three grandchildren, Olivia Culp, Payton Culp and Harbor Johnson; Sisters, Tennie (Lamar) Laws, Martha Linam-Lawrence, Diane (Woody) Sparks, Wanda Cherry (Vic), Pam Witherspoon, Marla Irwin, Janice Bumphus, Leetta Bumphus, and Katrina Bumphus; Brothers Charles Linam, William Linam, Norman Witherspoon, Larry Witherspoon, George (Pat) Witherspoon, Jerry Bumphus, and Derek Bumphus; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday January 3rd from 5:30PM until 7:30PM at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Clifton TN, and Saturday January 4th from 11:00AM until 12:00PM at Frank Hughes Highschool Gymnasium.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 4th at 12:00PM at Frank Hughes Highschool Gymnasium.
Interment will follow at Lizard Glades Cemetery.
