Garner Porter Culver

Garner Porter Culver, age 88, a resident of Williston, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home.

He was born in Macon, Tennessee, to the late Lewis Montgomery Culver and Coulia Houston Culver. Garner attended Fayette County High School, graduating in 1955. He proudly served eight years in the United States Navy Reserves.

On September 12, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Lansdell Culver, and together they shared 67 years of devoted marriage. Garner attended cotton classing school, earning top honors and went on to build a successful career as a cotton merchant on Front Street with Berry B. Brooks. He began in the cotton business in 1958 (hired by Mr. Brooks) and retired in 1995 from Culver Cotton Company.

Garner was a faithful member of Macon Methodist Church until its closing and later attended Williston Methodist Church. He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. An avid sportsman, he hunted and fished across the United States, pursuing game such as grizzly bear, black bear, mountain lion, pheasant, antelope, mule deer, and turkey—his favorite. He held a state record at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for turkey beard and spur length.

He also cherished his annual hunting and fishing trips to Ontario, Canada, including camping in the wilderness of Maynard Lake. Garner was an accomplished horseman and enjoyed showing Tennessee Walking Horses throughout the tri-state area from 1987 to 2000, earning numerous ribbons. He was a strong supporter of the National Field Trials at Ames Plantation and was a member of the Hughes Hunting Club and the Fayette County Rod & Gun Club. He was also a member of the West Tennessee Sportsman Association and was champion turkey caller in 1971.

Above all, Garner will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Lansdell Culver; his daughter, Darlene Culver Rike (James McBryde Rike); three grandchildren, Jessica Rike Price (Maylon), Jack Rike (Kristina), and Elliot Rike (Abigail); and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine sisters, Mattie Lou, Rubye, Joyce, Marion, Ollie, Ola, Alta, Mary, and Carolyn; and five brothers, Leonard, Earl, Youl, Leslie, and Lawrence.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Peebles West Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins at the funeral home. Jay Wells will officiate. Interment will follow at Jones Chapel Cemetery in Williston, Tennessee.