Tryon, NC- Paul Elbert Culberson, 92, of 1065 Howard Gap Road, Tryon, went home to the Lord, February 15, 2009, after a few years of failing health. Paul was born March 3, 1916, the son of Robert Henry and Ora Ellen Allen Culberson, in Chatham County, NC. The family moved to Alamance County, NC, where he grew up in Snow Camp, NC. Mr. Culberson graduated from Sylvan High School in Snow Camp and attended Berry College in Rome, GA, where he earned a degree in agriculture. He attended N.C. State receiving a degree in animal industry. Paul joined the Army in 1942 and while serving in England he took agriculture courses at Shrievenham American College. He retired from the Army Reserves in 1976 as a Major. Paul became Polk County extension agent January 1, 1946 after leaving active duty. He helped form the first 4-H foundation in North Carolina and started a 4-H fund for college scholarships. Mr. Culberson helped start Polk County Community Foundation to preserve natural resources and served as executive director for twenty years. Paul was also a founding member of Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center (FENCE), including Block House Steeplechase. He also initiated projects that got phone lines extended in Polk County and organized volunteer fire departments. Mr. Culberson was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gladys Hamrick Culberson, his second wife, Jane Dusenbury-Culberson, and a sister, Atha C. Wright. Survivors include a brother, Allen Jay Culberson of Snow Camp, NC, three nieces, two nephews, and four stepchildren. Attentive caregivers include Kathy Waters, Kenya Waters, Tammi Coffey, Helen Tucker, Angie Tipton, Jackie Siegfried, Jill Hayes, and Nicki Gosnell for which the family is truly thankful. Funeral services will be held Wednesday evening, February 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel with Dr. Bob Barrows officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in McFarland Funeral Chapel. Mr. Culberson will be sent to Rich & Thompson Funeral Home, Graham, NC for burial in Cane Creek Friends Meeting Cemetery, Snow Camp, NC Saturday, February 21, 2009. Memorials can be made to the Paul Culberson Agricultural Development Fund C/O Polk County Community Foundation, 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782, FENCE (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center) 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC 28782, or your charity of choice.
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