Astro founder Culbreth dies
Published 11:25 pm Friday, February 3, 2006
VALDOSTA — Lamar Culbreth was remembered by friends and family as a hard working, honest man. The founder of Astro Exterminating Services passed away Thursday at the age of 78, leaving behind a wealth of people who were touched by his life.
Culbreth’s daughter, Laura Perlman, said her father was always on an adventure, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and working his way up in the exterminating business through the late 1950s.
Culbreth began working for Orkin Pest Control and moved across the southeastern United States for 16 years, garnishing knowledge in South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee and working his way up in the company.
Georgia, and Valdosta, captured his heart.
In 1969, Culbreth took a leap of faith and moved his wife and four children —who were in college, high school and elementary school at the time — to Valdosta, and Astro Exterminating Services was born.
His wife, Margaret, was the bookkeeper at night, and the business slowly grew. Today it ranks 35th out of 15,000 companies in the United States. The business is still family owned and has over 200 employees.
During his ventures, Culbreth extended the business to the cities of Thomasville, Moultrie, Tifton, Savannah and Hilton Head, S.C.
“He loved to have family members around and always took care of his mother,” said Laura, of Culbreth’s pursuing his career while nurturing his family.
During the 1970s he served on the Valdosta City Council. In 1983, he joined the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta and served as a board and trustee member and as president in 1987.
“He was the type of person who made you feel appreciated … he’d motivate you to do the very best, just by the words he used,” said Robert Soper, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club. “He was the type of leader anyone would follow.”
Soper said Culbreth never wanted credit for his service and was a behind-the-scenes kind of person. Culbreth served with the Boys and Girls Club until his death.
Culbreth’s son, Rick, said his father had a great sense for business and took chances that made Astro Exterminating the company it is today.
Funeral services will be held today at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.