Richard Franklin Rea Culp, age 71, of Southport, NC passed away on Wednesday the twenty third of June, 2021 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Born in York County, SC on the twenty second of October 1949, he was a son of the late William Jackson Culp Jr. and Hilda Deese. He was raised by Tom "The Bull" and Ruth Rea of Pineville NC. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a step-son, Johnny Shelton, Cousins Tom and Ruth Rea, and a sister Carolyn McKellen. Richard was a retired plumber. He had a favorite pastime of fishing out on the Southport pier. He enjoyed cruising down the road with his family making jokes and listening to the beach boys. He loved to sing and at one point in his life was part of a barbershop quartet. He had dreams of being an architect which came out in his talent of building small wooden houses, tiny wooden boats, and reenactment scene displays. He was an amateur archaeologist who excavated Indian pottery along the cape fear river for many years. His favorite holiday was christmas and was very excited about the opportunity he had to play as santa clause for the children where he lived. He loved all of his family and believed in God so we shall meet again! Surviving are his beloved wife of thirty-three years, Sandra Evans Culp; son, Robert Culp of Southport; a daughter, Shelley Culp and husband Jason of Southport, son Rick Culp and wife Tracey of Charlotte step-children, Eddie Shelton of Southport NC, Lorrie Shelton of Wilmington, NC; four brothers, Tommy Culp, Bill Culp, Grady Deese, Johnny Deese; three sisters, Libby Hughes, Saramae Gordon, Mary Jane Hewett and four grandchildren. To honor his wishes, a private memorial service will be held.

The family requests with gratitude that donations be made in his name to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association 10 Glenlake Pkwy NE South Tower Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30328 or www.heart.org.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral Service Licensee

American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association Atlanta, GA 30328
10 Glenlake Parkway, NE, South Tower, Suite 400, Atlanta GA 30328
Web: http://www.heart.org