John Madison Culler

A visitation to celebrate the life of John Madison Culler, 87, will be held from 6 – 7:30 PM on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, 1112 Fair Street, Camden, SC.  A private burial in Smithville, Georgia will follow later.  Memorials may be made to Friends of Congaree Swamp (friendsofcongaree.org).

John Culler passed away on October 24, 2024.  He was born in Macon, GA, the son of the late John Jennings Culler and Julia Frances McAfee Montgomery.  John grew up in Smithville, Georgia where he excelled in athletics.  As a left-handed baseball pitcher, he threw several no-hitters for Lee County High School.  He attended Valdosta State University on a baseball scholarship, but the responsibility of a wife and three children (at the time) brought his baseball career to an end.  John began his career as a journalist and sportswriter at various publications.  He became Public Information Officer at the Georgia Game & Fish Commission, giving hundreds of speeches regarding wildlife and conservation.

In 1970, John moved to South Carolina to become editor of South Carolina Wildlife magazine and Director of Information and Public Affairs for the South Carolina Wildlife Department.  Under his leadership, South Carolina Wildlife became the most award-winning magazine of its kind multiple years in a row.  His Biosphere column in the magazine was much loved, and many of these columns plus other of his short stories were published in a best-selling book called Purple Heaven.  He co-founded Turkey Call Magazine and American Blade Magazine.

In 1979, John was named editor of Outdoor Life, the world’s largest hunting and fishing magazine.  Although he enjoyed the work, and brought innovation to the magazine, he did not enjoy living in New York City.  John returned to South Carolina and founded Sporting Classics Magazine, launching his publishing career.  He published many books as well as North Carolina Homes & Gardens Magazine, Chesapeake Homes & Gardens Magazine and South Carolina Homes & Gardens Magazine.

John hunted and fished all over the world.  He was the best shot most people had ever seen.  He was tall and handsome--commanding attention and respect wherever he went. He was an avid reader and could talk for hours about hunting, fishing, history, politics, and almost any other subject.  He was a great storyteller and public speaker.  He loved the Atlanta Braves almost as much as he loved his family.

To hear our father’s story in his own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrkzPDqU2Hg

He is survived by his children, John Madison Culler, Jr. of Las Cruces, NM, Thomas Wade Culler (Kathy) of Camden, Christopher Clayton Culler (Barbara) of Camden, Andrea Culler Roche (Jimmy) of Lake Murray, and Jennifer Culler Thompson (Ronnie) of Camden; grandchildren, Lindsay Culler, Langston Mahoney (Tim), Madison Culler (Ashley), Clayton Culler, Neal Culler (Lindsey), Robin Frye (Jerome), Serjio Montiel, Jesus Ramirez, Jose Ramirez, Sidney Key, Spencer Key, Lee Thompson, and Granger Thompson; ten great-grandchildren, and sister, Judy Murray of Fort Collins, CO.

Other than his parents John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Linda Laird Culler.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

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