William N. Fuller

William Nelson Fuller, “Bill”, passed peacefully from this life the early morning of September 25, 2024 completing a long life, strong in faith and devotion to his family and friends. Bill was born in Tarrant County, Texas June 18, 1926 to Jess Nelson Fuller and Mary Bess (Wade) Fuller. He was a descendent of pioneers of Tarrant and Dallas Counties dating back to the early 1840’s. 

He grew up a farmer’s son learning his strong work ethic from his parents and grandparents. At the age of 6 to 8 years his job during milking time was to take his little tin cup and taste the milk for bitterweed. At the age of 10 to 12 his Daddy would put him on the tractor to plow while he hauled milk to Dallas. Sometimes he went with Daddy Jess to haul milk and he would drop him off at a minor league baseball field where he would watch the players practice. A player noticed him and gave him his first baseball glove and so his love for baseball began.

Bill attended Pantego Bible Church which had beginnings on his Grandfather’s porch in 1905.

His life, and the way he lived, was a testament to his love and faith in our Heavenly Father. 

Bill was blessed with over 30 cousins and had the best time growing up with them. He attended Arlington High School but left at the age of 17, before graduating, to join the Navy. He was stationed in San Diego when he received orders to ship out on the USS Indianapolis. Fortunately his orders changed the night before it was to set sail on that fateful voyage, July 30, 1945.

After his tour in the Navy, he returned home to the Pantego/Arlington area. That is where he met the love of his life, Patsy Ruth Kennedy of Menlow, Texas. Their meeting resulted from a bet his cousin made him at a softball game that Bill could’t get a date with her. Luck was on his side again. Bill and Pat married January 20, 1950 at Pantego Bible Church and had a wonderful life together for over 66 years. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters Don, Doug, Nancy and Sandy.

Bill had various jobs including hauling gravel and working at the lumber yard with his cousin Buddy Hansen. His 39 year career with the phone company started as a lineman with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company then cable repairman at AT&T. He worked hard but loved his time with his family. When not coaching Little League in Handley, he was taking his sons fishing and squirrel hunting. Then later he became the best girl dad ever, never complaining when we wanted to spend the weekend at the lake skiing or needed something on the car fixed.

 After retirement, Bill and Patsy joined DFW Sam’s Camping Club and had years of new adventures making wonderful memories with their beloved friends. These were some of the happiest times of their lives.

After moving to South Arlington in the early 70’s, Bill expanded his gardening. He used the empty acreage around us to grow more crops. He became affectionately known as “Farmer Bill” to the neighbor kids especially during blackberry season. They have had wonderful neighbors over the years and we are so thankful for their support.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pat; parents, Jess and Bess; twin sisters, Lavena Walter and Lavana Williams; brother, Joe Fuller, and Son-in-law David Dickerson. 

He is survived by his four children, Don Fuller and wife, Kathy, Doug Fuller and wife, Karen, Nancy Fuller, and Sandy (Fuller) Dickerson; six grandchildren, David Doss, Shelly Owens and husband, Jon, Robin Follis and husband, Daniel, Molly Revill and husband, Jason, Seth Fuller and wife, Kim, and Rachel Fuller; fourteen great grandchildren, Shawn, Hunter and William Follis, Wade Owens, Madison, Lincoln and wife, Raven, Justus Revill, Kinsley, Levi, Bailee, Chloe, Addyson, Finley, and Creed Fuller; one great-great grandson, Milo Revill.

The Family wishes to extend a special thanks to their longtime neighbors and friends who have supported them through the years and Texas Life Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vaughan Cemetery Association, 140 HCR 2305, Abbott, Texas 76621, or to a charity of your choice.