 In 1946, he did not seek re-election to the ministry due to his poor health and he retired from parliament in August 1948.Culley was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1947.He died at the Hobart suburb of New Town in 1949; a state funeral was held at St David's' Cathedral and he was cremated at the Cornelian Bay Crematorium.