Cullen Ray Carver was born, and grew up in Simpson, Louisiana on November 5, 1933, to parents, Marshall Rite Carver and Frances Julia Ann O’Banion Carver of Simpson, and later Burr Ferry, Louisiana. Cullen was a resident of Burr Ferry since he was fourteen years old. Then in later years moved in with daughters and families for health assistance.
God came for Cullen early in the morning of January 10, 2024, at the age of 90 years and 2 months. He was eager to again be with the love of his life, Vivian LaVern Hall Carter. Vivian preceded him in death three months before. On June 4, 2023, they celebrated 71 years of marriage.
His work was as a mechanic at Cain Motor Company and Palmer Motor Company in Leesville. He also worked as a butcher at Swift and Company in Fort Worth, Texas; Carlton’s Meat Packing House in Houston, Texas; and as a butcher at Fort Polk Commissary. In 1996, Cullen retired from the Vernon Parish Sherriff’s Office after 28 years, having been hired by Sheriff John O. Craft.
Cullen was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Holiday, Luther, Homer, Grover and Austin; seven sisters, Hazel Cryer, Beaula Cryer, Cecillia Hester, Grace Martin, Cleola Tilley, Claudia Vay Willis, and Lural Dodson.
He is survived by three daughters; Patrici (Pat) Carver Ellzey, Cynthia (Cindy) Ray Carver and Francis LaDale Carver Lee; son in law, Jewell Lee; grandchildren: Sylvia Dowden, Ronnie Ray Addison, Ronda LaVern Addison Wright, Jody Perkins, Dustin Stracener, Tiffani Dugan Doherty and Donovan Dugan;
great-grandchildren, Autumn Self Proctor, Ashley Addison, Alisa Addison, Andrew Addison, Abigale Addison, Victoria Wright Hanus, Savannah Wright, Creston Wright, Coleman Wright, Amiah Doherty, Justina Doherty, Cullen Doherty, Tate Dugan, and Arya Dugan; and one great-great-grandchild, Salem Hanus.
Officiating the homegoing service were Rev. Tony Warren and Rev. Eddie Tilley at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Walnut Hill United Pentecostal Church in Slagle, Louisiana. Burial followed in Walnut Hill Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.
Pallbearers were Donovan Dugan, Creston Wright, Andrew Addison, Shane Tilley, Chris Proctor and Sylvia Dowden. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Addison Jr., Jody Perkins, Paul Patrick and Marshall Carter.