UNION GROVE — Charles Franklin Culp, the only fire chief in the history of the Union Grove Fire Department, passed away yesterday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham after being ill for several weeks. He was 73.

Culp also served two terms as a Chilton County Commissioner and was a member of the Democratic Party. The Union Grove Fire Department was founded in 1977, and he has been the fire chief there ever since.

He has been a major influence in the emergency medical services and firefighters’ association.

Culp was born on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1935, son of the late Reedie Lee Culp and the late Gertha Headley Culp. He was a fruit farmer who specialized in peaches and nectarines. His farm was located in Jemison

Mr. Culp is survived by his wife, Geraldine, and three daughters, Terry (Alton) Ellison, Rita (Chris) Ward and Angie Belligan. He also has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held tonight from 6-8 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held Monday 2 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Hilyer and the Rev. J. Aaron Ellison officiating. Burial will follow in Union Grove Community Cemetery in Jemison.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that people make donations to Union Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements are being held by Martin Funeral Home.