BRYANT — William Thomas Culbreath

passed away in his home in Bryant, Ark. 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, Mich. to the late William Lois and Grayce Ann (Phillips) Culbreath. They returned to Arkansas about three years later, settling outside Pine Bluff.

In 1955 Tommy joined the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the Army Security Agency and stationed in Japan. Upon discharge in 1958 he returned to Pine Bluff and met Lou Ellen Florence Clark. They had their first date June 23, 1958 and eloped on July 26. It was the beginning of a beautiful 62-year romance that inspired everyone who knew them.

Tommy was a golf course superintendent over 40 years at several courses in Arkansas and South Carolina. He returned to Arkansas in 2002 to be with his grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dr. Huel Culbreath, J.C. Culbreath, and Johnny Culbreath, and sisters, Mary Dean Bass and Alice Saunders. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; son William “Bill”, wife Lisa Culbreath of Saratoga, Wyo.; daughter Dian, husband Craig Burger of Bryant, Ark.; two grandsons, Thomas, wife Keri Williams and daughter Kayleigh of Murphy, Texas; Matthew, wife Stephanie Williams of North Little Rock, Ark.; granddaughter Angel McDuffy and children Kyle, Ally, Zoe and Lydia of Vass, N.C.; honorary grandson J.J. Iiams of North Little Rock, Ark.; 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.

Graveside services will be July 11 at 10 a.m. at Fitzhugh Cemetery off Camden Cutoff Road, Pine Bluff, Ark. Social distancing measures will be observed, and we request everyone wear a mask. To view full obituary and leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.