David Perry McCulley, a beloved educator, devoted family man, and community leader, passed away March 22, 2025.
He was born Aug. 16, 1941, in Sparta, to Clifford and Modella Hitchcock McCulley.
A proud graduate of White County High School (Class of 1959), David went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Tennessee Technological University, in 1964, followed by a Master's degree in Guidance Counseling in 1976, and an Education Specialist degree in School Administration, in 1978. In 1989, he earned the designation of Level III School Administrator from the State of Tennessee.
David’s career was marked by his deep dedication to education. After being commissioned as a U.S. Army Artillery Officer, in 1964, where he rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant by 1965, he began his long and impactful career in education. He served as the principal of East Sparta School from 1978 to 1987, before becoming the principal of Woodland Park Elementary (1987–2000), and Northfield Elementary (2000–2005). David also served his community as a County Commissioner for the 7th District from 1990 to 2001. He was an active member of Sparta First Baptist Church since 1975, where he contributed to the life of the congregation.
David met his wife, Linda Carol Johnson, in April of 1966 in Red Springs, North Carolina, while both were working at Burlington Textile Industries. They married on April 2, 1967, and moved to Sparta in 1975. There, David began his teaching career, while Linda worked as a school secretary and bookkeeper. Together, they had the privilege of serving the students and colleagues of White County Schools for more than 30 years.
David enjoyed the gospel, country, and bluegrass music genres, and he had a special passion for gardening, tree planting, and genealogy. His humorous approach to genealogy was summed up by his favorite saying: “Confusing the dead and irritating the living.” David was proud to publish works such as The McCulley Family History, A Hitchcock Family History, and his autobiography, PaPa’s Journey.
David Perry McCulley will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a man of faith, who lived a life dedicated to family, education, and community service. He ran the race with endurance and fought the good fight, and now, he rests in Glory.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; his sister, Dona Taylor; his brother, Larry McCulley; brother-in-law, Kenneth Johnson; and nephew, Grayson Grimes.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda; children, David Jr. (Jill) and Beverly Dronebarger (Kurt); grandchildren, Jackson Dronebarger (Taylor), Taylor Harp (Tyler), Cameron Dronebarger, Mackenzie McCulley, Ana Dronebarger; great-grandchild, Callum Harp; as well as siblings, Nancy Dixson (Ernest), Thomas McCulley (Barbara), Gary McCulley (Debby), Bryan McCulley (Jill), Becky Goff (Guy), Melissa Vaughn (David), Shelia McCulley, John Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 6 p.m., March 26, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Sparta. The family will receive friends after 3 p.m., March 26, at the church. A private family burial service will be conducted March 27, with full military honors by the Veterans' Honor Guard. Thomas McCulley and Brad Walker will officiate.
Will England, Guy Goff, Gary McCulley, Bryan McCulley, John Taylor, David Vaughn, and Joe Wilkey will serve the family as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers are Robert Burton, Donnie Haley, Roy Heady, Jerry Don Nash, and Barry Roberts.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
