Billy Ray Fuller of Durant passed from this life on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at the age of 81. He was born on Saturday, Oct. 2, 1937 in Wade, Okla., to James Wilson and Birdie Ann (Tollett) Fuller. Billy Ray grew up on the family farm in Wade.
After graduating from Bokchito High School in 1955 he joined the Navy in October 1955. While home on leave, he married the love of his life, Joyce Keeling on Dec. 19, 1955 in Caddo, Okla. On December 19, Bill and Joyce would have celebrated 63 years of marriage. After discharging from the Navy in 1957, Bill enrolled at Southeastern State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in May of 1961. He later earned his Master’s in Elementary Education.
Bill began his teaching career at Lake Elsinore, Calif. in 1961. He taught in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Most of Bill’s Education career was spent as an administrator/teacher in the Utica, Bokchito, Blue and Durant School systems. He farmed and ranched his entire life at the family farm in Wade. After retiring from education, Bill worked several years as the safety coordinator for Bryan County. He also taught GED classes to adult students.
Bill was able to repair about any piece of equipment and spent many years doing dirt work all over Bryan County with his closest friend C.G. Young. Bill was a kind and encouraging person. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School. He spent many hours with his good friend Tony Spearman while they were building Calvary’s new cabin at Falls Creek. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Muriel Fuller; son-in-law David Polk; and sister Jewell Dickerson. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Fuller of the home; daughters Jill Polk of Durant, Okla., and Kay Piatt and husband Greg of Ardmore, Okla.; son Jon Fuller and wife Jeanne of Shawnee, Okla.; brothers Jim Fuller of Bothell, Wash., Jerry Mack Fuller and wife Betty of Wade; sister Delores Ann Metcalf of New Allison, Okla.; grandchildren Matt Polk and wife Emilie of Edmond, Okla., Kaitlin Polk of Oklahoma City, Travis Piatt, of Ardmore, Corbin Piatt of Ardmore, Kirsten Piatt of Ardmore, Maddie Foote and husband Weston of Norman, Okla., Jackie Fuller of Shawnee, Lillie Fuller of Shawnee, and one great grandchild on the way. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church in Durant, with Bro. Darel Bunch officiating. A family visitation will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Friday, Nov 9. Terry Jackson, Steven Traw, Kendell Robertson, Tony Simmons, Kevin Robinson, Greg Masters and Andy Smith will serve as pallbearers. Tony Spearman, C.G. Young, David Hayes, David Norman, George Hull, Gene Masters, Jerry Keeling, Ray Dickson, Gene Wren, Sam Aldridge, Glendel Rushing, and Skip Robinson will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church General Fund or the Falls Creek Fund c/o Calvary Baptist Church.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Linda Castillo, Traci and Brandon at her office, the staff at Guardian Hospice of Oklahoma and the wonderful nursing staff at TMC who treated dad like family over this last year. Services are entrusted to Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant. Phone: 580-916-9090
www.gordonfh.com
