Russell Belton Culpepper's Obituary
Russell “Russ” Belton Culpepper passed peacefully into heaven under the loving care of the Dozier Hospice House on November 8, 2025, after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. He entered eternal rest with the same courage, faith, and dignity that defined his life.
Russ was born in Marianna, Florida, and was a lifelong Floridian who made his home in Havana. He was a 1963 graduate of Marianna High School and went on to attend Chipola Junior College, graduating in 1965.
In 1966, Russ was drafted into the United States Navy and served honorably during the Vietnam War. He spent two years in active combat in the Mekong Delta aboard a River Patrol Boat, followed by a year stationed aboard an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea, where he visited Germany, Cuba, and the Philippines. Russ completed his service with the rank of E-5 and returned home with a deep sense of pride for his country and his fellow servicemen. He often shared stories of those years, remembering his brothers-in-arms and the experiences that shaped him for life.
After returning home, Russ settled in Tallahassee and began his career with Mobile Home Industries. In 1971, he was asked to open a new office in Andalusia, Alabama. Before leaving Tallahassee, he sold a mobile home to a pretty young blonde named Clarice “Recie” Lipford—a fateful meeting that led to their marriage later that same year, in November 1971.
Russ and Recie made their home in Andalusia, where they raised three sons before moving back to Tallahassee a decade later. Over the years, Russ built a successful career in insurance, real estate, and ultimately, the automobile business. In 1991, alongside his close friend Lee Kelly, he founded Quincy Auto Mart, which they proudly operated for 31 years before retiring together in 2022.
For those who knew him well, you will remember his intense passion for the outdoors and unique interest in all animals. He spent countless hours camping with his sons, grandkids, his wife, or by himself along his favorite stretches of the Chipola, Ochlockonee, Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Florida Rivers. His favorite spots were the ones few others would venture to find.
He loved teaching his kids and grandkids all about hunting, fishing, and trapping—but especially alligator hunting. Russ was a true animal whisperer. He could earn the trust of wild cats, hawks, snakes, raccoons, and squirrels, having them eat from his hand after only a few weeks of care and patience.
He will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and fair businessman, a tough and rugged outdoorsman, and a loving husband and father who would do anything for his family. His love for the outdoors, his craftsmanship in building intricate, luxury tree stands and sheds, and his deep devotion to those he loved will remain his lasting legacy.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, T.P. and Illene Culpepper. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Recie Culpepper; three brothers, Ed (Kay) Culpepper, Al (Candy) Culpepper, and Gary (Pat) Culpepper; and three sons, Clay Culpepper (Angie), Bret Weekley (Rebecca), and Mark Weekley (Anita). He also leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren: Ashby, Carson, Hagan, Mark Anthony, Victoria, Adriana, Jack, Nick, Tim and Hunter.
A visitation to celebrate Russ’s life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 10am-12pm, in the Fellowship Hall at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
Russ will be remembered always for his love of the outdoors, and the strength and kindness that guided him through every chapter of his life.
What’s your fondest memory of Russell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Russell?
Share a story where Russell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Russell you’ll never forget.
How did Russell make you smile?