PORT GIBSON — Lawrence William Culley died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at Claiborne County Nursing Center. He was 78.

Mr. Culley was a lifelong resident of Claiborne County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Salzburg, Austria, where he met the love of his life. They were married in Salzburg in 1953. They moved back to the United States shortly after their marriage.

He was employed by LeTourneau for 20 years as a machinist. He was also a commercial fisherman. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dee and Minnie Culley; and a grandson, Lambert Culley.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Mayr Culley of Port Gibson; one son, George Culley and wife Valynda Bufkin Culley of Port Gibson; and one grandson, Brian Culley of Port Gibson.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today at Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson with the Rev. Kuhrman Cox officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Glenwood Funeral Home of Port Gibson.

Pallbearers will be Tony Bufkin, Bob Carpenter, Michael Park, Jack Bufkin Jr. and Mark Anderson.