Obituary of Royce Lee Culbertson

Royce “Lee” Culbertson entered peacefully into the presence of Jesus his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 30, at age 50, after a 4-year battle with melanoma. Lee was convinced from the day of his diagnosis in 2016 that melanoma did not get to number his days, only Jesus got to that. It was with that great faith and many prayers and support of family and friends that sustained him over the past 4 years.

Lee was born on March 11, 1970 in Knoxville, TN. He often joked that he could not have been born anywhere else, as those who knew Lee knew what an avid Vols fan he was. Lee loved East Tennessee but 4 years ago had to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida. However, Tennessee was always “home”. Lee personified joy everywhere he went. He always left you feeling better about yourself and your situation. He genuinely cared about those around him and freely gave of his time and resources. After graduating from Sullivan North High School in 1988, Lee worked for Citigroup for 30 years and recently in 2019 began his career with SoFi. Lee was proficient in workforce management and loved doing what he did making a mark on those around him on a daily basis. His passion along with the Vols were his “girls”, golf, and Disney. Lee was a faithful member of Tri-Cities Baptist Church using his teaching talents whenever called upon but after moving to Jacksonville attended The Church of Eleven 22.

He is preceded in death by his father, Royce Devon Culbertson, grandparents Silas and Pauline Culbertson and William and Margaret Rogers, and his mother’s second husband, Ronnie Mohn.

He will be missed every day by his wife of 26 years, Amy Culbertson, and 2 daughters Alyson (19) and Avery (14) who were the lights of his life. He will also leave a tremendous void in his mother’s life, Janice Mohn, and sister Beth Culbertson. He will be greatly missed by his “FIL and MIL” Larry and Brenda Browder who loved him as their own. He had a close relationship with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Morris and Angie Baker. He was loved by a special nephew and niece, Mackenzie Baker (Melissa), and Michala Baker, along with 2 great-nieces Emery and Elliot Baker. He has many aunts, uncles, and cousins that will cherish the memories they have with Lee. His buddy Nemo will also miss him for his daily walks and playing ball.

 

Due to the current situation with COVID-19 services will be private. A celebration of life service will be held at a later time when it is safe for everyone to attend.

 

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NLT We as family do not grieve without the hope of seeing Lee one day and pray you will too. Until then Lee you will be in our hearts and memories forever. We love you.

 

Carter Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport is serving the Culbertson Family.

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