Ralph "Dick" Richard Fuller

Waverly Hall, GA – Ralph Richard “Dick” Fuller, 74, of Waverly Hall, GA passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Columbus Hospice after a year long battle with cancer. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the Rivermill Event Center located at 3715 1st Avenue, Columbus, GA on March 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years Karen Teahan Fuller; son Mark Fuller, his wife Donna and their two daughters Grace and Faith Fuller of Tallahassee, FL; son Trev Fuller and his daughter Ellie Fuller of Columbus, GA; daughter-by-choice Tracy Dean, her husband Glen and their two children Hilton and Jacqueline Dean of Columbus, GA; and niece-by-choice PFC Brittany Bowling of Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Dick Fuller was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma September 10, 1937 to Ralph and Marie Barber Fuller. He was raised by his mother and stepfather Carl “Bud” Beauchamp in Denver, CO. After graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force for 8 years where he received Airman of the Year, and then he served 12 years in the U.S. Army where he was Leadership Graduate of his OCS class and Honor Graduate of his Ranger class. Dick went to Vietnam as an Infantry Officer with the 25th Infantry Division, known as Tropical Lightening. As a combat experienced Infantry officer he was chosen to lead and Command Guntruck operations which took a special person as they daily entered ambushes to protect military supply convoys. Dick rarely spoke of Vietnam, but having saved numerous lives, he was awarded several medals for his actions and bravery. The last four years of his military career was as an Operations Officer of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning. He retired from the U.S. Army October 31, 1975 and was an elite man among men. A man you knew “had your back”. His care for the troops didn’t end with his career. Dick was known for handing gold dollar coins to young soldiers he would see. Thanking them for their service, Dick would point out “In God We Trust” on the edge of the coin.

As a hobby, Dick loved to restore cars and military vehicles, and was a proud member of Columbus Antique Militaria Organization (CAMO). Beloved son, husband, father, soldier, friend, Dick’s passion was to humbly help others as he believed every one should be afforded kindness. He lived a blessed life, faced death fearlessly and entered the gates of heaven where he is “at ease”. Dick Fuller started every day by thinking of something good to tell his wife Karen, and took every opportunity to share words of praise and encouragement until his last breath. “He was a giant amongst men.”

His accomplishments during his military career included the Bronze Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for Valor, (Airborne) Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal 4th Award, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Devices, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, Overseas Service Bar, and Sharp Shooter M16A1.