Lawrence David “PeeWee” Culbreth, 84, peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. He was born Dec. 16, 1933, to Lillian and Leslie G. Collins and later adopted by his stepfather, Otis B. Culbreth. Peewee was a Virginia Peninsula resident for 60 years after relocating from his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
He had a distinguished career. In 1964, PeeWee, along with his wife, Shirley, founded an electrical contracting business, Bay Electric Company Inc. After 32 years of service, success and dedication to his business, he retired in 1996. He was a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church in Tabb.
PeeWee was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was an incredible example of strength and generosity. He was a faithful and loyal friend, always willing to help anyone in need, and he never met a stranger. He was charming, fun and extremely witty, always making those around him laugh and smile.
PeeWee loved the water and was an avid sport fisherman, earning numerous citations over the years. He loved animals, especially his dog Holly who was his devoted companion.
PeeWee was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 53 years, Shirley L. Culbreth; brothers, Thomas P. Culbreth and James N. Culbreth; and sisters, Linda K. Culbreth, Patsy Culbreth and Francine C. Ourada.
He leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Phyllis C. Rollins Mapes and Patti C. O’Neal Kauffman, and her husband, Dr. John Kauffman, all of Poquoson; grandson, John Matthew Rollins of North Carolina; granddaughter, Courtney Rollins Zawisa, and her husband, Stephen, of Virginia Beach; brothers, Howard B. Culbreth (Sylvia) and John H. Culbreth; sister, Geraldine L. “Gerry” Colligan (James); and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration will be conducted at 3 p.m., Monday, July 16, at Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Road, Tabb, led by Pastor Doug Echols. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made to his favorite charity, Newport News Court Appointed Special Advocates (NN CASA), which helps abused and neglected children, at 230 25th Street, 1st Floor, Newport News, VA 23607; or the Williamsburg Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
The family would like to thank and recognize his doctor of many years, Dr. James Spiller, for his tremendous kindness and compassionate care.
Share online condolences with the family at claytorrollinsfuneralhome.com.
