Harold Griffith Culbreath, Jr.

On August 17, 2007 Harold Griffith Culbreath, Sr. was presented, on the wings of angels, to his Heavenly Father, embraced by the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ, and joyfully welcomed by loved ones who preceded him. He was born May 7, 1918 in Greene County, Georgia, where he grew up with his parents, brother and four sisters. He learned the virtues of hard work in his youth, helping with the family business, a dairy farm with the motto "You can whip our cream, but you can't beat our milk!", an early example of the Culbreath sense of humor. He began his career with the U. S. Postal Service in 1938 at his hometown Post Office in Union Point, Georgia. He transferred to the Atlanta Post Office in 1940, where he achieved the position of General Accounting Officer before retiring in 1972. During his career, he was a leader in the Atlanta branch of the National Association of Postal Supervisors, as well as the Georgia state organization. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1942 to 1945.     After retiring from the Post Office, he began a second career with the Baptist Home Mission Board, where he served with distinction for 10 years in the Business Services Division, calling it his most personally rewarding work experience.

He became a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia in 1947, where he served as Director of Children's Sunday School and Chairman of the Deacons' Council. His 60-year devotion to his church has endeared him to all who knew him there, and he led them all by his example of a Christian life.     On April 20, 1941 he wisely married Vera Mae Rabun, beginning 66 years of exemplary commitment to each other and their children. Theirs was truly a marriage made in Heaven and blessed by God. He was the loving Father of three sons and a daughter. His infant daughter, Vera Diane Culbreath preceded him in death at the age of ten months, and we rejoice at their reunion now. He and Vera made their home in Decatur, living in the same house for over sixty years. They also became owners of the Culbreath family homestead in Union Point, and hosted countless family celebrations there. Their first grandchild, Wendy, once said that she expects the gates of Heaven to look just like the entrance to her Grandparent's home, a tribute that needs no explanation, and he has now truly gone Home.     He is survived by his eternally devoted wife Vera, loving sons Harold Griffith Culbreath, Jr. (Harry) of Greenville SC, Rabun Hall Culbreath of Decatur GA, and John William Culbreath of Concord NC, their spouses, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother John Hiram Culbreath of Union Point GA, and two sisters, Grace Hinson of Macon GA, and Hilda Byrd of Bainbridge GA. His influence and impact on family and friends cannot be measured, and all will cherish their special memories of him. His sense of humor, wisdom, enthusiasm for life, and devotion to God will continue to guide the family for generations to come, and he leaves a void that can never be filled. Visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm, Sunday August 19, at A. S. Turner and Sons, Decatur. Funeral service will be 11:00 am Monday August 20, at First Baptist Church of Decatur, followed by burial at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Decatur, "Years of Opportunity" Fund, or the American Red Cross. "This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it."  A. S. Turner & Sons