Jerry Bryan Fuller

1938 - 2024

Jerry died peacefully at home on December 18th. He was born in Lufkin, TX on April 21, 1938 to Bryant Fuller and Mineola Hunt Fuller. He truly enjoyed growing up in Lufkin and although he was an only child, he said that there were so many neighborhood boys, that he never lacked for fun and companionship. He could (and would) tell you many, many stories from that time, but especially of his athletic endeavors – he could tell you every football play he ever made. In high school, Jerry was a football "star" – again he was happy to tell you all about that. He was proud to be called "The East Texas Flash" and was a Lufkin Panther all of his life. A severe knee injury in his freshmen year at Tyler Jr. College ended his hopes for playing college football.

After serving in the US Army, Jerry attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches and later married Gayle Williams of Lufkin. They had two children – Bryan and Sherri. Jerry worked many years at Southland Paper Mill in Lufkin and could even tell many stories about "making paper."

After his divorce, Jerry moved to Dallas in 1969 and was a store manager for Crabtree Electronics. He met Julie Pazdral from Somerville, TX that year. Both being "country" people, their first date was at a horse arena. They married in 1972 and welcomed their daughter, Suzanne, in 1978. At the time, Jerry had teenagers and was quite surprised to be a dad again. He always told the story of walking outside of the hospital and asking God to let him live just long enough to see that baby graduate from high school. God answered that prayer and Jerry was granted many more years and he and Julie recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Jerry was a commercial plumber for many years for Natkin Mechanical Contractors. He was proud that he participated in building some of the largest projects in Dallas including DFW Airport, the original EDS building (which was "way out" north at the time), the Galleria, Zale-Lipshy Hospital, and many others.

Jerry and Julie lived in Carrollton for 43 years and in later life in Frisco. Jerry had such fun talking (for hours) to his high school friends; maybe they were the same stories over and over, but his longtime friends added much enjoyment to his life.

Toward the end of his life when he was somewhat homebound, Jerry loved working crossword puzzles. Everyone knew not to come between him and The Dallas Morning News! Jerry was so proud of his children and grandchildren and was also especially proud to be a charter member of Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Carrollton. At the church's 50th anniversary, this past spring, he kept telling everyone that he was the oldest charter member.

He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children: Bryan Fuller (Sarah), Sherri Swearingen (Rob), and Suzanne Atcheson (Jason); Grandchldren: Amanda Terrell (Nick), Grayson Fuller, Avery Atcheson and Wyatt Atcheson; Great grandchildren: Kaylee Terrell and Gunner Terrell; and several cousins, as well as Julie's favorite cousin and Jerry's curmudgeon partner, Dave Huff (Pat)and in-laws, George Pazdral, George Anthony Pazdral and Lynn Pazdral.

The family would especially like to thank Tabreccia Jones of Overture Health Care for her loving care, as well as Three Oaks Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Carrollton on Saturday, Jan 18th at 2pm.

Donations may be made to Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, 1901 E Peters Colony, Carrollton 75007