SALISBURY, Md.- Following a several months-long battle with liver cancer, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver died early Sunday morning, his family announced on his Facebook page. He was 67.
In a post, the statement said Culver "passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family this morning. Well known for his spirit and tenacity, he had fought a courageous battle for several months." The post said more information would follow.
Shortly after the news of Culver's death became known, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said in a post on his Facebook page, "Deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver, a lifelong Marylander who fought a tremendous battle against liver cancer. The First Lady and I ask that you join us in keeping Bob’s family and loved ones in your prayers."
Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who represents Wicomico County, also paid tribute to Culver.
“Right up until the very end, Bob Culver was fighting for Wicomico County," Carozza said in a Facebook post. “That’s inspiring for all of us in public service."
In February, Culver revealed he had been diagnosed with liver cancer. At the time, he said he had been told by his doctors that the cancer covered 70% of his liver.
Culver, a Republican who was first elected county executive in November 2014, was reelected to a second term in 2017. He had a tumultuous tenure in that position, often at odds with the Wicomico County Council.
Before his stint as county executive, Culver served one term as an at-large member of the Wicomico County Council, which started in November of 2010.
One of Culver's last public appearances in the media was on June 10 in downtown Salisbury, where a marker commemorating Confederate Gen. John Henry Winder was removed from the Wicomico County Courthouse lawn. Culver ordered the removal, saying, "By doing so, I am hopeful the citizens of Wicomico County understand and reflect my belief that monuments such as this are offensive to many in the county. I hope this action is one of many steps that will help heal our community."
Culver was raised in Wicomico County and attended Pemberton Elementary School, Wicomico Junior High School and Wicomico High School, from where he graduated in 1970. Culver continued his education at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, N.C., where he received an associate’s degree in pre-law. Afterwards he transferred back to the area and attended Salisbury State College (now called Salisbury University) in 1972, where he pursued a degree in economics with a minor in business administration.
In 1972, Culver started his career in real estate sales and then moved on to own a construction and land development business. While at the helm of Culver Construction Company, Culver oversaw the creation of four subdivisions in the county, consisting of more than 150 homes.
