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Obituary For Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr.
Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr., 77, of Albany, Georgia departed this life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.
Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 12:00 Noon at Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1010 Old Pretoria Road, Albany, Georgia 31721.
Public visitation will be from 11AM-7PM on Monday August 11, 2025.
Interment will follow in the Floral Memory Gardens, 120 Old Pretoria Road, Albany, Georgia 31721.
Dr. John W. Culbreath was a native of Monroe, Georgia, and was educated in the public schools of Walton County. He graduated as valedictorian from Carver High School in Monroe and received his B.A. Degree in French from Albany State College in Albany, Georgia. He received his master’s degree in administration and supervision from Georgia State University, and his Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Georgia. His career in education began in the classroom as a teacher and grew to include experiences as assistant principal, principal of three different schools, and assistant superintendent serving across the state of Georgia in Randolph, Walton, Clarke, and Glynn counties, as well as Atlanta Public Schools. His career in primary and secondary education culminated with his service as the first Black superintendent of the Dougherty County Schools System in 1995 until his retirement in June 2001. On the state level, Dr. Culbreath served on the governor’s Closing the Achievement Gap Commission, the Implementation Task Force and the African-American Male Initiative with the Georgia Board of Regents. He spent six years as a member of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the last three years as Chairman. During his tenure, he was named Administrator of the Year by the Georgia Association of Education Office Personnel, School and Community Leader of the Year by the Georgia School Public Relations Association, and Man of the Year by the local March of Dimes. He has also been named a recipient of the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, as well as the Albany Rotary Club Four-Way Test Award. The Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) awarded him the H.M. Fullbright Distinguished Service Award in 2007.
Dr. Culbreath was initiated into Delta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Albany State in 1966 and proudly served Gamma Omicron Lambda Chapter in Albany where he was named Man of the Year for 2007 and 2011. He recently received the Guiding Light Award from the Delta Delta Alumni of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Culbreath served his alma mater in various capacities including the Albany State University National Alumni Association and ASU Foundation Board. He retired as the Dean of the College of Education at Albany State University. During his tenure as Dean the ASU College of Education received the renewal of its accreditation with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Dr. Culbreath was inducted in the Albany State University Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2022, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Albany State University.
Dr. Culbreath served as President of the Fourteen Black Men of Glynn, Inc. from 1990-93. These men mentored 21 Black ninth graders and gave them the incentive that their tuition would be paid to any college or university in the United States. To earn this tuition, they had to participate in the mentoring program, stay out of trouble, and graduate on time with a college preparatory diploma. Of the original 21, 14 graduated on time, with a college prep diploma and went to college. On March 5, 2011, Dr. Culbreath received the Key to the City of Brunswick, Georgia, as the keynote speaker for the Fourteen Black Men’s Banquet.
John was a member of the Albany Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow). He was a co-founder of Strive2Thrive, an initiative designed to eliminate poverty in Dougherty County. Included on the list of boards that Dr. Culbreath has served on are: the Albany Museum of Art; the Boys and Girls Club; Regions Bank; United Way of Southwest Georgia; the Anchorage; Consumer Credit Counseling. He has also served on the boards of Communities in Schools, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Chairman), the Salvation Army, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Ritz Cultural Center. He served as the 2007 Chairman of the Albany Chamber of Commerce. He is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Albany and he is the 2009 recipient of the Ed Freeman Outstanding Leadership Award. In January of 2012, he was one of the six recipients of the “Dream Award 2012” at Albany’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. In 2018, he was awarded the Lifetime Service Award by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.
John was preceded in death by his beloved parents John Willie Culbreath, Sr., and Conca Vella C. Shields; his sister, Cascell Camp; brother, Harold Culbreath, Sr.; and his son Adrian Bernard James.
John leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife of over 54 years, Barbara W. Culbreath; two devoted daughters, Cynthia and Carletha (Lisa) Culbreath; one sister, Barbara Knox; two sisters-in-law, Edna Culbreath and Gladys Spencer (Roosevelt); one brother-in-law, Sylvester Williams, Sr. (Carmen); two treasured grandchildren, Bishop Trevino-Culbreath and Lakeisha Locklear-Culbreath; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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A. Yvette Life sent Emerald Garden Basket for Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr. - August 09, 2025
Bonnie Williamson sent French Garden for Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr. - August 09, 2025
Terrilyn Lemons sent The Peace Lily for Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr. - August 09, 2025
Albert Shelby sent Red and White Floor Basket for Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr. - August 08, 2025
Ellis E. Sykes sent The Peace Lily for Dr. John Willie Culbreath, Jr. - August 08, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers
My condolences to the family, you're in my prayers 🙏🏽
My condolences to the Culbreath family. Dr. Culbreath was a great mentor to me and instilled the value of service. I can never thank him enough.
His is a education background that will not be repeated, for Dr. Culbreath is a product of a time and place that has faded. Detroit Committee Members Sheriff Eddie and Tinisha Fairbanks
Sending love, hugs, prayers and my deepest heartfelt condolences!!! May the memories of his life and the love you've shared be a source of strength, comfort and peace!!!🙏🏽❤️❤️🙏🏽
Dr. Culbreath will be dearly missed. Ago ant on his own right with such a gentle and caring touch. He pioneered so many things and weathered so many storms without complaint while protecting his family and Community. He and my husband became classmates in college — he was the gentle giant. Know that he will continue to watch over all of you and keep you safe...
Ecclesiastes 31:8 -"To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" GA Tech Alumni Class 2017 President Jimmy Loud and Sheriff Eddie Fairbanks
Thank you for your honorable service to our community. Air Force Security Forces Isaac Loud Fairbanks and Sheriff Eddie Fairbanks
Sending my Deepest Condolences to the Family. I met Dr. Culbreath in March of 1973 at Albany State College at a job fair. He was representing Randolph County School System as Assistant Principal of Elementary School. He hired me and group of my friends as teachers. He hired us right on the spot. We begin working within a few weeks. I exactly begin working before I marched and received my degree. I'm forever thankful to Dr. Culbreath for giving me my first teaching job as a third grade teacher. I worked there about 5 years. He was a great person to work for. I also worked for him when he became the first Black Superintendent for the Dougherty County School System. I'm so grateful that he played a part in my teaching career. When I reached my 30th year of teaching. He would jokingly say to me, "Mrs.Harris, do you know how to count?" Hinting to me that it was time for me to retire. LOL REST IN PEACE!🙏🖤🕊Christine Carter Harris & Family 🌹
My deepest sympathies to the Culbreath Family. I know it's difficult, now to see beyond the pain. I pray that the cherished memories you hold bring you some comfort and strength. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr John Culbreath was my principal while I was a student at Randolph/Clay. He would transport my brother and I from basketball practices and games while he was at Randolph/Clay. We always kept in touch and we would refer to each other as friends. Thank you the Culbreath Family's for sharing a most humble and kind heart man. I will always cherish the words you gave the Class of 1984 last year for our 40th year class reunion even though you were not present but you emailed me words of inspiration! Rest man of God!!
Condolences to the Family of Dr. John Culbreath from the Abd'al- Aquil Family. Fmr. P.T.O. Pres. of Turner Elem.(Umarhasan). "From God We Come, To God We Shall Return."
Condolences on behalf of Educator Gladys Berry, Samuel Allen, GA Tech Alumni Jimmy Loud, Turner Job Corps Family
My sincere condolences to the family! John and I became friends at Albany State and remained so during the years. He was a kind, soft spoken gentleman and will be sorely missed. May you rest in the loving arms of our Father my friend. 🕊️💙💛
The Fillingame family sends deep sympathy to the family God give you strength and comfort. Shirley F.
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The man from Monroe a gentleman and a schoalar a history maker an a friend RIP
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My sincere sympathy, great appreciation and respect... We mourn, but not like those who have no Hope as we do in Jesus the Christ.
Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family
I always called him "John" since the days of our meeting each other at Albany State College back in the mid 60's. He was one of the most intelligent men that I ever met. May the good Lord provide comfort and peace of mind to his family as well as his many friends.
We are so Very Sorry to hear about the Passing of Dr. John Willie Culbreath, a Dear Family Friend. He Will be Deeply Missed , Forever Loved ,and Always Remembered. Our Divine Prayers Remain with the Family. Mr. Rutherford A. Wallace and Dr. Gwendolyn A. White Wallace
With Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Dr. John Culbreath. May God provide strength to you during this time of bereavement. Dr. Culbreath's memory will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. I will miss seeing him at church.
Condolences to the family, friends, associates, and all others whose lives he touched. I knew him from working with him as United Way volunteers and members of Zion Baptist Church in Brunswick, Georgia. I always our discussions on current events.
Mr. Culbreath was my High School Principal and a great man who will certainly be missed by many. My condolences to the family. 💜
I was privileged to be Dr. Culbreth's next door neighbor when I was about 12 years old and he began teaching in Cuthbert at Henderson High and Elementary School. He was smart, friendly and athletic with a throwing arm that could have been in the NFL.
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Culbreth and the family.
Dr. John Culbreath displayed excellent leadership. His ability to inspire and motivate teachers towards achieving academic excellence.
Praying for peace and strength for the family my deepest condolences
I want to express my condolences to the Culbreath family, and his many friends and associates, for your loss. Dr. Culbreath was a light and an instrument of hope to me and many others throughout his life. He encouraged us both educationally and spiritually. I last spoke with Dr. Culbreath via phone two weeks ago, and we discussed our belief in God based on the finished work that our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, did on the Cross. I thank God for allowing Dr. Culbreath to be a significant presence in my life, and the lives of many others.
Rip my brother
my condolences to the family 🙏
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My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. John W. Culbreath, Jr. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
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It's sad to receive this news. I can tell you that Dr. Culbreath was the nicest and intelligent man. I pray CHRIST will be your comforting shoulder during this transition. ~Rosetta Walker and son Kwame Lowe
Please accept our condolence's and our prayers are with the family of Dr. Culbreath. It was a privilege and honor to know Dr. Culbreath. He was an incredibly smart, gifted, and thoughtful man. May his memory live on forever. .
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of such a dedicated leader of educators. He was always so very kind. It's a great loss!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Culbreath We're so sorry for your loss. Love to all of you.
We are saddened and offer our condolences to the family and friends. John was a consummate educator, "unofficial" lay minister, comedian, father figure, fisherman, and a godly man. He had a profound effect on my career and touched the lives of too many to count. He is known for compassion, kindness, and honesty,
I offer condolences to the family of Dr. Culbreath. May fond memories outweigh the sadness of his departure.
Sincere condolences to the Culbreath family and all who counted Dr. Culbreath as a friend. He was a kind and caring person who will be missed. May God grant you comfort, strength, and peace.
My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Culbreath. I had the privilege of meeting him when he lived in Brunswick, GA. He was an outstanding leader in education when he lived here. His commitment to the youth of our community was extraordinary. A founding member of the the Fourteen Black Men of Glynn, Inc. his company to young African American males is still recognized today. I am blessed to have known him. Praying for his family during this difficult seasons.
We expressing our deepest condolences to the family... you're in our prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Culbreath. He was a jewel to the Dougherty County School System during his tenure as Superintendent.
Rest in Heaven!
Joe & Deborah Sanders, Andre'Nita Toson West, Ashlea' Toson
Words can not express the sadness I'm feeling. Dr. Culbreach was a genuine, caring kind man who loved children and everyone he met. I loved him as a brother and as my boss. Praying for Mrs. Culbreath and family. May God bless you all. Please accept my Sincere Condolences.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
