Johnnie Fulmer

Raised in the Cayce/Olympia area, Johnnie, who was known as Bubba to his younger siblings, Claudia and Walter Fulmer. Together, they formed a dynamic trio that was always up to some sort of mischief. Johnnie took his role as the big brother very seriously, striving to be the best he could be. Alongside his siblings, he also grew up with many of his future in-laws, who would become his closest friends and allies. Family gatherings were filled with laughter and “Good old days” stories. Despite life's ups and downs, their bond remained unbreakable, reflecting the love and resilience that defined his life.

Johnnie was a proud veteran of the 1st Infantry of the United States Army, serving his country from 1976 to 1980. Following his time in the Army, he served as a Deputy Sheriff in the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. He remained immensely proud of his military service and his role in the Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to his service and law enforcement career, he started a landscaping business that he continued to run until his passing. He also had a knack for building things in his workshop, a place where no one could find anything but him, of course. Over the years, Johnnie's family was blessed with several canine companions, and most recently, his best buddy, Baxter. If Baxter could talk, the stories he could tell would surely fill volumes, reflecting the special bond they shared.

Johnnie was known for his booming laugh—a sound so infectious that would inevitably force a smile on everyone else's face around him. His passion for the South Carolina Gamecocks was equally legendary. No matter if Carolina was winning or losing, you could always hear him cheering on his team or coaching from the couch, embodying the true spirit of a dedicated fan.

From a young age, Johnnie’s heart was set on his future wife, Debbie. In a move that would become the stuff of family legend, he proposed to her in the third grade, proving that true love knows no age. Their 47 years of marriage were filled with shared adventures, laughter, and a bond that only grew stronger with time. His greatest joy was his family. He and Debbie raised two wonderful children, Kristen and John, who were his pride and joy—until his grandkids came along, that is. Johnnie never missed a chance to brag about how proud he was of his daughter, son, and son-in-law. However, when his grandchildren—Caroline, Bailey, and Finnley—arrived, Johnnie's heart grew even bigger. He absolutely adored being a doting OpOp, sneaking them snacks, indulging their every whim, taking them on lawnmower rides, letting the girls paint his toenails, and doing just about anything to make them giggle. If you knew Johnnie, you probably heard all about his grandkids and how perfect he thought they were.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father Johnnie Fulmer Jr, his beloved mother, Flora Fulmer and his sister, Claudia Fulmer. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Debbie; his children, Kristen (Billy Skipper) and John Fulmer; his cherished grandchildren; brother, Walter Fulmer (Tonya); many nieces and nephews, and a circle of friends and family. Though he’ll be deeply missed, his legacy of love, fun, and Gamecock pride will continue to bring smiles to our faces.

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, September 18, at 2:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina.