DESTIN, Florida – Dooley Ewell Culbertson went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, engineer, storyteller, and lifelong adventurer whose curiosity and love of people shaped every chapter of his life.

Born in Albany, Georgia, on June 29, 1936, Dooley was the son of Ewell R. and Gertrude Shemwell Culbertson. He graduated from Albany High School then attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1958. While in college, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He later attended an executive program at Stanford University, further strengthening the foundation for his accomplished professional career. From an early age, Dooley demonstrated leadership, independence, and a love of the outdoors, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment he carried with pride throughout his life.

Dooley proudly described himself as an "actual rocket scientist", a role he embraced during the early days of the American space program. Throughout his career, he served as CEO of multiple companies, bringing vision, discipline, and humor to every organization he led. He was a member of YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) and participated in The Forum in Atlanta, where he valued the friendships, candid discussions, and shared commitment to leadership and personal growth.

His professional life took him across the country and provided him with an endless supply of entertaining stories. His career included work in Huntsville with Morton Thiokol and Teledyne Brown, later in San Diego with Teledyne Ryan, Egg Harbor, New Jersey and Atlanta with Fuqua Industries and in Savannah. Dooley then retired in Destin, Florida. Destin held a special place in Dooley's heart. He vacationed there with his family since 1952, and it became his true home later in life where he met his wife, Faye.

Dooley's interests reflected his energetic spirit. He loved horseback riding, boating, and tackling projects as a gifted handyman. A natural host, he enjoyed entertaining with humor and a zest for life bringing friends and family together.

Dooley is survived by his wife, Faye Frazier Culbertson; his son, Keith Culbertson; stepdaughter, Dawn Frazier Shoults (Jeff); and stepson, Blake Frazier (Shelly). He was especially proud of his 10 grandchildren: Jack Culbertson (Ashley), Kate Culbertson Martinez (Mario), Kyle Culbertson (Lila), Brady Culbertson, Foy Parker Deaton (Dink), Frazier Shoults (Hayden), Darien Shoults Chadbourne (Britton), Morgan Frazier Belvedere (Michael), Blake Frazier Jr. (Skyler), and Ansley Frazier. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Frick Culbertson, and by his daughter, Kay Culbertson Robertson.

A service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.