Jonesboro attorney Bobby Culpepper dies
Bobby L. Culpepper, a Jonesboro attorney who represented the town, died Saturday after a sudden illness. He was 74.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Culpepper; his daughter, Teresa Loyce Culpepper Carroll and her husband Clay, of Jonesboro; and his son, William Todd Culpepper and his wife Laura, of Quitman. He also is survived by five grandchildren four great-grandchildren and his six siblings.
He graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School as valedictorian in 1959 and continued his education at Louisiana State University, where he graduated from law school in January 1966. He was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in April of that same year. After law school, he clerked for Judge Al Tate, the senior presiding judge at the Louisiana 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.
When his clerkship ended, he reported for active duty as a commissioned officer with the military police branch of the U.S. Army. After his active duty, he served in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain in 1971.
When his active-duty status changed, he returned to his home in Jackson Parish to formally begin his law practice, where he practiced law until his death. He was licensed to practice law in all state and federal courts within Louisiana as well as the U.S. 5th Distict Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bobby Culpepper," said Mayor James E. Bradford. "He was a meticulous and dedicated attorney, father, friend and servant. Bobby was the soldier who fought for those who needed him, and he desired to see the very best for our town. If there were ever a person who loved Jonesboro, it was Bobby Culpepper.
"He was witty, trustworthy, hardworking, and wise. It was an honor to have considered him a friend. I extend my condolences to Beth, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Culpepper family. Bobby has certainly left big shoes to fill, and he will be missed."
During his extensive legal career, he served as assistant district attorney under three district attorneys and as assistant attorney general for Louisiana. He was an active participant of many professional legal organizations including the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, where he was a member of the board of governors. He was a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, American Bar Association, the American Judicature Society Association, Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Through the years, he was active in civic and community activities, including the Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club, Jackson Parish Farm Bureau, Jackson Parish Cancer Society, LSU Alumni Federation, Jackson Parish Jaycees, American Legion Commander, numerous advisory boards, Jimmie Davis Tabernacle Foundation, original member of the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame, and serving as president of the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame.
He was active in state and federal politics and was appointed as a colonel and aide-de-camp on the governor's staff for John J. McKeithen and Edward W. Edwards. He was the longest continually serving member of the Louisiana Democratic State Committee, having served since 1968. He was appointed as a delegate to the 1976 National Democratic Convention. He also served on committees for Republican and Democratic candidates and on advisory committees for Democratic and Republican presidents.
He was proud to be a Southern Baptist for most of his life and was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, where he had served as chairman of the board of directors, chairman of the board of deacons, Sunday school teacher, discipleship training leader and pastor search committee member.
He was a published author having written "Objection, Your Honor: The Story of a Country Lawyer" which was published in 2012 and was working on a second book at the time of his death.
His only hobby was LSU football. As a proud alum of LSU, he was a member of the Purple Jacket Group, a distinction given only to those who have reached a high level of financial support for LSU athletics. He was an original member of the LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Family Life Center Fund at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro.