Dewey James Culbreth, Sr. of Crystal River, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2018 at age 90, surrounded by his loving family. Dewey was born in Magnolia, North Carolina on August 23, 1927 and was one of six children born to Harvey and Eliza (Sutton) Culbreth.
Dewey served two tours in the Navy upon graduating from high school. He served as Petty Officer on a Naval war ship and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Navy, he began a career as a pharmaceutical sales rep for McNeil Laboratories, and was part of the team to introduce Tylenol to the general public. He eventually moved his family from Atlanta, GA to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he began another successful career selling life insurance.
Always reinventing himself as a successful businessman, through connections made selling insurance, Dewey entered the world of construction where he started a successful drywall business. From there, he became a local success in Ft. Lauderdale in the nightclub and restaurant business leading to what continues to be one of the longest running family owned restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, now operated by his son, Dewey, Jr.
Despite his many business successes, Dewey’s happiest times were spent with his wife, Shirley, on their 100-acre farm in Chipley, FL. It was there that Dewey developed a passion for horses and became known as the local horse whisperer. He became a talented trainer with a gift for understanding horses, working with those that were difficult to train. After enjoying many years on their beloved farm, Dewey and Shirley eventually retired to Crystal River, FL.
Dewey is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, son, Dewey Culbreth, Jr.(Julie), of Fort Lauderdale; daughters Cynthia Buky of Hernando, FL and Deborah Bloss of Inverness, along with grandchildren, Christopher, Travis, Stephanie & Philip, II and two great grandsons, Ezekiel and Philip, III and numerous other beloved family.
A celebration of life will be held at Gulf to Lake Church, 1454 N. Gulf Ave., Crystal River, FL 34429, on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dewey’s memory may be made to Gulf to Lake Church of Crystal River or Hospice of Citrus County, 3350 W. Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, FL.
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