of Alexander, AR

May 29, 1936 - June 22, 2020

William Thomas Culbreath passed away in his home in Bryant June 22, 2020 with his adoring wife by his side as she has been for 62 years. Tommy was born May 29, 1936 in Lincoln Park, MI to the late William Lois and Grayce Ann (Phillips) Culbreath. The family returned to Arkansas about three years later, eventually settling outside Pine Bluff.

In 1955 Tommy joined the United States Army. After training at Fort Chaffee, AR and Fort Devens, MA he was assigned to the Army Security Agency and stationed in Japan. Upon his discharge from the army in 1958, he returned to Pine Bluff.

Shortly after returning home a friend introduced him to Lou Ellen Florence Clark. They went on their first date June 23, 1958. A few weeks later, on July 26, they eloped. It was the beginning of a beautiful 62-year romance that inspired everyone who knew them. Over the past few years, whenever he was in the hospital, she never left his side. The nurses who cared for him affectionately dubbed their room ''the love birds' room'' because they held hands the whole time and the love they shared was so apparent.

As their 50th wedding anniversary approached, Tommy asked his beloved Ellen to marry him again. Because they had eloped, they did not have a traditional church wedding. He told her, ''This time I want marry you in a church and see you in a real wedding gown.'' Tommy got his wish July 26, 2008 when Ellen walked down the church aisle, escorted by her youngest grandson.

Tommy was the sort of person who could do any job that was needed, from running his family farm at ten years old when his father got sick to the variety of small businesses he developed and sold, but his passion was ignited when he discovered golf. He turned his love of the sport into a career managing the courses. He managed courses in Pine Bluff, Ashdown, Conway, Clarendon and Batesville in Arkansas before retiring to Hilton Head, SC, where he planned to play lots of golf. After working all his life, he got bored and soon went back to work on a golf course. He retired five times, always going back to work on a golf course, before he finally came home to Arkansas to spend time with his grandsons.

Tommy will be remembered as a kind, generous man who loved his family dearly and gave of himself to others. He was a protector and a provider. He opened his home repeatedly to his children's friends who were having a hard time and needed a haven for a few days or a few months. He provided acceptance and support and the guidance they needed to move forward.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. Huel Culbreath, J.C. Culbreath, and Johnny Culbreath, and his sisters, Mary Dean Bass and Alice Saunders.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; son William ''Bill'', wife Lisa Culbreath of Saratoga, WY; daughter Dian, husband Craig Burger of Bryant, AR; two grandsons, Thomas, wife Keri Williams and daughter Kayleigh of Murphy, TX; Matthew, wife Stephanie Williams of North Little Rock, AR; granddaughter Angel McDuffy and children Kyle, Ally, Zoe and Lydia of Vass, NC; honorary grandson J.J. Iiams of North Little Rock, AR; many nieces, nephews and an abundance of friends.

His family thanks Dr. Jeffery Mayfield for the exceptional care he provided Tommy over the years. Dr. Mayfield is not only an excellent physician, he is a good man and Tommy considered him a friend.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Fitzhugh Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Ballard Funeral Home
306 S. Main
Benton, AR  72015
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com