Marion Max Culpepper, 81, of Delano, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at his home. He was born on June 14, 1935 and was always proud to celebrate his birthday on Flag Day.

He was the first born son of the late Charles and Louise Culpepper, and except for a few years during his childhood, he was a lifelong resident of Delano, Tn. Max was a 1955 graduate of Polk County High School where he earned a scholarship to play football at Memphis State but chose instead to serve his country in the U.S. Army. In 1959 he married the late Carolyn Joyce Choate and was a devoted husband for 54 years. Together, they raised three daughters. He was a respected employee of Bowater Paper Mill for 40 years where he was affectionately nicknamed Dad; a moniker he was very happy to keep the rest of his life. He was an avid golfer, and he loved UT football and basketball. He had a real knack for landscaping and many passersby stopped to admire his handiwork. His dominant love language was most notably gift giving and he expressed this through the simplest of means: faithfully lifting his invalid grandmother into bed every night of his high school years, surprising someone with a beautiful flower from his garden or sharing a funny story and a laugh with friends, family, and strangers alike. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Charlene Phillips; and son-in-law, Mark Berry.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and Don Webb of Delano, Natalie and Nathan Swafford of Delano and Angie Berry of Rome, GA; his grandchildren include, Matthew Swafford and wife Michelle of Delano, Candace Webb Housley and husband Halen of Delano, Max Robert Berry and Sara Joyce Berry of Rome, GA; great-grandchildren, Gavin David Swafford, Caroline Victoria Swafford and baby girl Housley expected on May 1st; brother and sister-in-law, John and Brenda Culpepper of Chickamauga, GA; and brother-in-law, Doyle Phillips of Rossville, GA. He has a much loved niece and two nephews and a special friend, Tammy Kincaid of Etowah.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday at Goodsprings Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Etowah with Rev. Edward Earl officiating. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday at the church.

Matthew Swafford, Max Berry, Halen Housley, Phillip Culpepper, Frank Massingale and Wes Harbison will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Happy Hearts, P.O. Box 213, Benton, TN 37307.