Thomas Guy Culbreth

Born on October 24, 1946 in Gulfport, FLorida
Passed on December 27, 2025 in West Palm Bay, Florida

Thomas Guy Culbreth, son of Guy Albert Culbreth and Isabelle Denny Culbreth, was
born on October 24, 1946, in Gulfport, Florida. Beginning at a young age, Tom worked
alongside his older brother, James (Jim) Culbreth, at their father’s furniture store,
Culbreth’s Furniture, until he left to attend Florida State University (Go ‘Noles!) where he
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He began his career at North
Carolina National Bank (now NationsBank) where he thrived, quickly advancing to top
leadership positions. Relocating to South Florida, he served as president and CEO of
Southeast Bank’s credit card company, and later PanAmerican Bank where he
advanced to president in 1982 at the tender age of 35.
In the mid-80s, Tom mini-retired and settled in Cashiers, North Carolina. Not one to just
sit back and relax, Tom had to pursue other challenges. So, in the late ‘80s he moved
to Sarasota and started his own financial consulting firm, Advisory Resources Inc.
Tom’s leadership skills and financial acumen were found to be quite an asset to the
rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Serving on the board of directors of Cedar’s
Medical Center since 1983, he moved to Miami in 1991 to accept the role of President
and CEO. *(This is also when he met Alice on a blind date. She will tell you that’s the
true reason he moved to Miami)! Under Tom’s leadership, Cedar’s (a not-for-profit
hospital) merged with Columbia Health Care System, becoming the first not-for-profit/for
profit merger of its kind in the country. Doing so saved Cedars from a hostile takeover
(via eminent domain) by the Goliath Jackson Memorial Hospital. This ensured that the
local community would continue to be served by their trusted community. In addition,
the merger led to the creation of the South Florida Health Foundation in 1994, a multi-
million-dollar foundation with a mission to serve those most in need. Quite an
accomplishment. Of this, he allowed himself to feel quietly proud.
Following this success Tom again retired and settled in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
He eventually woo ’ed Alice away from the warmth of the Florida sun to the harsh
winters yet beautiful spring-fall of the North Carolina mountains, and they married in
1995. Tom took to Black Mountain as if he had lived there his whole life. Even the
locals at the Town Pump Tavern accepted him. Partnering with Rodney Padgett, who
quickly became a good friend and mentor, and he had a great time successfully building
spec homes within their own mountainside community. He just loved grading the road,
even when it didn’t need it! Tom was as comfortable on a tractor as in a boardroom, but
he much preferred the former!
Once again, Tom couldn’t stay retired. In 1996, Alice planned a surprise 50 th birthday
party in Black Mountain for Tom attended by family and long-time friends. During this
party Tom reconnected with one of his former business associates who convinced him
to get back to business. This led to Tom joining the leadership team of KPMG and was
instrumental in its initial public offering.

In late 2000 Tom and Alice moved back to Florida. This time to Melbourne, where his
son, Scott, was teaching, and his daughter, Mandy, had recently become a mother,
turning Tom into Papaw. Mandy was blessed with two sons, Sleighton (Charlie) and
Shane, and a daughter, Iris. Tom loved spending time with his grandkids and watching
them grow into outstanding, and caring individuals.
Volunteering for HOPE, a local free clinic, Tom was made aware of the scope of
medically underserved in Brevard County. His previous business experience and
hospital leadership skills were put to great use when he partnered with Lisa Gurri to
establish the Brevard Health Alliance in 2005. Beginning with the synergism of their
leadership and a devoted staff, BHA continues its commitment to serving the uninsured
and underinsured.
Although Tom held many positions of leadership, he viewed his role in the creation of
BHA as his greatest accomplishment. Tom used his intellect and worldly talents to
advance access to health care for the disenfranchised. He lived a highly principled life,
demonstrating integrity, generosity, and love of his family. Tom always had an open
door, and the words on his desk said it all….”Work hard! Do the right thing! Don’t
complain!”
Tom once described himself as “logical and reasonably intelligent.” His success as a
leader can be summed up in this sage advice he shared on more than one occasion, “If
you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Tom was self-
assured and self-effacing; not afraid to acknowledge what he didn’t know and
recognized the importance of hiring those that did. He lives on in the many lives he’s
influenced. To emulate the balance of his intellect and ethics would be, like his, a life
well lived.
Tom will forever be loved by his wife, Alice Spinelli Culbreth and his extended family. He
leaves a proud, personal legacy to his son Scott Culbreth, daughter Amanda Culbreth
Noble, and her three children, Sleighton Charlie Meyer (Chandler), Shane Meyer, and
Iris Noble.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:
 Brevard Health Alliance (memo- Foundation)
 C.A.R.E. Cancer Advocacy Research and Education
 Florida Wildlife Hospital (Brevard)
 Brevard Zoo
 WFIT
 Best Friends Animal Society
 The Nature Conservancy
 World Wildlife Fund
A casual gathering of family and friends to celebrate Tom will be held from 11am – 2 pm
on Saturday, January 31 st at Wickham Park, Boy Scout area. 2500 Parkway Drive.
Melbourne, Florida. Attire: comfortable clothes that make you feel good.