William Thomas Fuller

Mr. Fuller served in the United States Marine Corp. He retired from Trambeam Corp after 43 years of service. He went in as a Private E1 and came out as Corporal. During his military career he served 1 year and 11 days in Vietnam and or Sea Service with a total service of two years. Mr. Fuller fought 3 months spending all but 3 days in the fields chasing “Charlie.” His first operation was “Operation Holt.” This was the first of six operations. In the middle of July following “Holt” was the big one, “Operation Hastings,” the biggest Marine combat operation since the Korean Conflict. For their gallant action during “Hastings” the 3rd Battalion was awarded the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, with Palm, by a Greatful Government. This was the second time a foreign unit had been so honored and the first time a ground unit had won the medal. A short operation “Ottawa” took place next. “Operation Pawnee” was next followed by two other operations. Mr. Fuller arrived in Vietnam in July of 1966 and departed August of 1967. He served with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marine Regiment 3rd Marine Division. He served as a machine gunner. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star, and the Good Conduct Medal. He received his Character of Service and Honorable discharged. He graduated top marksman of his battalion. Mr. Fuller was a very special man to many. He gave unconditional love and kindness to everyone who knew him. He not only opened his heart to others but also his home. A special thanks to Dr. Syzmela, Dr. Zahid, Dr. Rivas, Dr. Sykes, nurse Theo, nurse Tucker, nurse Tina Kelley and the entire staff at St. Vincent East E.R. and the RPS Ambulance Service.

Mr. Fuller is preceded in death by his parents, James A. “Doc” and Lois Fuller, beloved son, Thomas Rayford Tibbs, Jr. and grandchild, Dustin Underwood.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Sara Fuller, daughter, Sharlene Clay (Jim); chosen children, Kim Crim Chamness, Tabitha Crim Caterinichia; brothers, James B. Fuller and Ernest Fuller; grandchildren, Kodie Elrod, Ashley Raines (Dylan), Kolbie Elrod, Emily Tibbs and Tyler Underwood (Whitney); great grandchildren, Logan Raines and Abel Underwood.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Cool Springs Baptist Church with burial at Cool Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers were, Kodie Elrod, Kolbie Elrod, Tyler Underwood, Dylan Raines, Jackie Vaughn, Mark Caterinichia, and Wayne Chamness; Honorary Pallbearers, Blake Tibbs, Rex Whisenant, Paul Caswell, Rex Bearden, Jerry Vaughn, and Wayne Fayet.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing