Frank Richard (Rick) Culp, 63, passed away peacefully, May 2, 2021, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Memorial Mass will be Friday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish; 1927 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX followed by internment at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Memorials: Donations to any Parkinson's foundation or charity of your choice.
Rick was born on August 9, 1957 in High Point, NC to Lucille and Talley Culp. Rick was a life long aviation fanatic, having decided he wanted to be a pilot at age 5. Upon graduating San Diego State University, he began his career as a Marine Corps Officer in February, 1980. Selected for Flight Training, Rick moved to Pensacola, FL and Kingsville, TX where in 1982 after finishing Jet Training he was designated a Naval Aviator. Rick moved to Camp Pendleton, CA to fly the OV-10 Bronco and later in the USMC Reserves at NAS Atlanta. In 1987, Rick was hired to fly for American Airlines in Ft. Worth, TX. Rick went on to fly First Officer on the McDonnell Douglas MD-80, Boeing 727, 757, 767 and 777. Rick was Captain on the FK-100.
Rick loved spending time with his four children and could be heard cheering from the sidelines at each and every sporting event or orchestra concert they took part in. He loved family camping trips, piloting his glider plane, flying stunt kites, playing ice hockey and riding his skateboard. Rick was a hobby enthusiast, building model airplanes and trains. He was also a huge animal lover and advocated for several family rescue pets.
Rick is survived by his former wife, Tami and their children, Cailyn, Cassidy, Maverick and Mackensey Culp; daughter-in-law, Tylynn and grandbaby, Caspar Culp; sister, Vickie Culp; brothers, Jonathon and Douglas Sanchioli; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Rick was greeted at Heaven's gates by his parents; and infant sister, Talley Sue.