Joshua Philip Fuller

Josh was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frank and Anne Fuller on July 16, 1976. Over the course of his life, he developed a love for sports and baseball in particular. As a young boy, he loved to play catch and run the bases. He was a die-hard New York Yankees fan and a lifelong North Carolina Tarheels basketball fan; even in the difficult seasons. There was nothing bandwagon about Josh. Once he was a fan, he was a fan for life. Josh had a deep love for aviation that was fostered as a young child. That love played out both personally and professionally. Josh was given the opportunity to experience many amazing places both personally and through his career. He became an avid golfer and loved traveling the world. Perfection was a constant goal for Josh and obtained more frequently than not. He always said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.” His honesty, integrity and fierce loyalty were known by all who loved him. Josh’s love for the Lord started at a young age. He came to know Christ at the age of seven. He never forced his faith upon anyone, but rather sought to exemplify Christ in his daily life and be an example to others through his actions. He always expressed unwavering moral convictions that he refused to compromise on. Family was always at the forefront for Josh, an ideal that was engrained by his parents from a young age. As a caring big brother, Josh spent his whole life protecting his little sister, Amy. He was the “cool” Uncle who never turned down an opportunity to love on his nieces and nephews. His love for family grew as he married Kelly and their beloved daughter Teagan was born. He adored being Teagan’s father and cherished Kelly. Anytime he talked about Teagan the depth of love he had for her was reflected in his smile and the pride in his voice.

Josh was a graduate of The First Academy where he lettered in five sports and was a two-time state champion in swimming and water polo. He graduated from Samford University in 1998. He went on to attend OCS and subsequently flight school at NAS Pensacola earning his “Wings of Gold” in December 2001. Josh attended the Naval War College where he earned his Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies while concurrently earning his Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. Josh oversaw War Planning on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. In 2017 he served as the Executive Officer for VT-86 then assumed command of VT-86 in June 2018. Post command, Josh reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command to establish the Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) program. Josh accumulated over 2500 flight hours and received numerous honors, medals and commendations throughout his career. As a result of his unsurpassed work ethic, leadership, and empathy, Josh was able to quickly ascend through the ranks ending his career as Commander. Josh’s unique combination of drive, character and dignity created a legacy that will live on for years to come.

Josh is survived by his loving wife Kelly and their daughter Teagan Grace. He is also survived by his parents Frank and Anne Fuller; sister Amy; nieces Cheyenne, Avery, and Piper; and nephew Noah.

Josh was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Mary O’Hare and Alton Floyd “Mickey” McCall, and paternal grandparents Mary Frances Bracey and Frank Bailey Fuller, Sr.

A memorial service will be held at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel at Naval Air Station Pensacola for his family and close friends on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 1:00pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, seating in the Chapel is limited; a closed-circuit broadcast will stream live via Facebook.

In lieu of flowers and other memorials, please consider contributing to a 529 Education Savings Plan established for Josh and Kelly’s daughter, Teagan Fuller. Please visit https://www.529egift.org/FL/IdXtjy to be guided through a secure process to help give a lasting gift of love.