Maj. Ret. Charles Frederick Fuller, known to friends and foe alike as Fred, died on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at his home.
The visitation will be Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM prior to the funeral service at 3:00 PM at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907 with Pastor Frank Macon officiating. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.
Fred was born in Miami, Florida on January 23, 1934 to the late Lewis Campbell and Zona Baldridge. His parents were from the hill country in Floyd County Kentucky and were the descendants of the original pioneer families who settled in that area in the early 1800's.
He spent most of his formative years in Louisville, Kentucky and in the small hamlet of Bonanza, Kentucky which was his favorite place to call home.
In 1949, at age 15, he lied about his age and joined the National Guard. His unit was called to active duty in 1951. He was then sent to Korea and served as a forward observer with the 2nd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. He was discharged in 1952 and returned to finish his high school education in Louisville, Kentucky where he graduated from Male High School.
Fred reentered active duty in January 1955 and served continuously until his retirement in 1973 with rank of Major, U.S. Army. During his time of service he served overseas three tours in Korea (total of 38 months), two tours in Vietnam (total of 30 months) and one tour in Europe (36 months). His stateside service assignments were Ft. Benning, Ft. Gordon, Ft. Knox, Ft. Polk and Foreign Service Institute in Washington, DC.
After retirement from the U.S.Army, he began a real estate career with Dogwood Realty, Columbus, GA. During his time in the real estate market he held the position of Field Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also became a landlord owning several rental properties in the Columbus, Ga area. He retired from real estate although he continued to own several rental properties until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lynnette "Lynn" Shelley Fuller, daughters, Cindy Bailey of Columbus, GA and Kimberly Sandoval of Rockmart, GA, son, Robert Fuller of Columbus, GA and stepdaughter, Vonda Chanley of Box Springs, GA, brothers-in-law, Larry Shelley of Columbus, GA, Jerry Shelley (Billie) of Columbus, GA, and sister-in-law, Wanda Phillips (Buddy) of Columbus, GA. His grandchildren are Christopher Fuller of Colorado Springs, CO, SPC E-4 Matthew Mathison of Douglasville, GA, Ronnie E. Sanders of Box Springs, GA, and great grandchild, Amberlyn Sanders of Box Springs, GA. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Edna Fuller.
Fred loved his family and was always proud to be a part of the "Shelley clan".
He was widely known and respected as Papa Fred to many of his friends and family. His wisdom and experience were often requested from those he had contact with during his lifetime. His story telling became one of his trademarks as the stories were often long winded and full of advice on life issues. He also was known as the one to call in any time of crisis for his assistance and guidance. He was very much loved, respected and admired by so many people that had the fortunate experience to know Fred Fuller. He will truly be missed.
Flowers will be accepted but those so desiring may make memorial contributions to Columbus Hospice House 7020 Moon Rd. Columbus, GA 31909 www.columbushospice.com.
Visitation
DEC
13.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)
McMullen Funeral Home
3874 Gentian Blvd Post Office Box 7907
Columbus, GA, 31908
Funeral Service
DEC
13.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
McMullen Funeral Home Chapel
3874 Gentian Blvd.
Columbus, GA, 31907