William Sorrells Fuller

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Deloris; his three children, Kimberly (Vic) Cafazza, William Scott Fuller, and Ryan (Rhonda) Fuller; six grandchildren, Alex, Jenna, Jessica, Anna, Katie, and Lela; and three great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Kathryn, and Silas. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

Known to his friends as “Handsome Bill” and to his grandchildren as “GrandBill,” Bill never met a stranger and rarely let a conversation end without a story. An avid writer and gifted storyteller, he had a quick wit and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor that kept family and friends laughing for years.

Those who knew Bill will forever remember the unforgettable tales and phrases that became part of family lore—stories of “Grandfather Brokenfeather,” his stint as an Amateur Pig Wrestler eating boneless skinless chicken feet covered in Country Bob’s at the “Golden Neckbone Café,” washing it down with Spicy V8, and his famous question, “What’s the capital of North Dakota?” Whether anyone understood “Imona” or “Amongahilatotaynuwayha” was beside the point—Bill delighted in making people smile and creating inside jokes that his family will treasure forever.

Bill loved his family deeply and found great joy in spending time with them. He worked for many places throughout his career, most memorably Hunter Fan, John Morrell, Memphis City Schools, and, after retirement, Colco Fine Woods & Tools. He served as a Scoutmaster, sharing his love of the outdoors and helping shape the lives of many young people. He also enjoyed clowning, woodworking, writing, traveling with Deloris, and using his creativity to bring happiness to others.

A talented author, Bill wrote countless stories and poems that reflected his imagination, wit, and love of storytelling. He was especially proud of his children’s book, The Winky Dinky Do, which brought joy to young readers and perfectly captured the playful spirit that defined his life.

A faithful member of Ellendale United Methodist Church, Bill lived a life marked by kindness, laughter, creativity, and love.

His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the words he wrote, the lessons he shared, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.

The family will forever cherish his humor, his wisdom, and the love he so freely gave. Though he will be deeply missed, his stories will continue to be told, his laughter will continue to echo through generations, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are encouraged.