Clyde Oliver Fulk Jr.

As an insurance executive, a loving husband, a supportive father, and tender-hearted kind soul, Clyde made his mark on many throughout North Carolina and beyond. Clyde was born in Winston-Salem, NC, to the late Clyde Oliver and Katherine Owen Fulk.

The Fulks raised Clyde and his two siblings, Owen and Ann, in various parts of the foothills of NC, including Liberty, Pinnacle, and Pilot Mountain. Clyde, Owen, and Ann all learned a tremendous work ethic from growing up in these various locations and some unfavorable conditions. Early in their childhood, Clyde and Owen would have to milk 30 cows before catching the school bus and one of their earlier houses did not have an indoor bathroom, which made them appreciate things a little different later in life.

With these humble beginnings and dedication to hard work, Clyde thrived as a student and found himself at the University of North Carolina. This big school proved to be a little too big for this small-town boy. Even his pet duck, which he kept in his chest of drawers, could not give him comfort. He eventually transferred and finished his college career at East Tennessee State University. His dedication to working hard nearly derailed the rest of his life, by being late to a blind date to a sweet mountain girl from Hendersonville. The tobacco needed to be primed, and the job needed to be finished before Clyde’s date could start. Ruth had already changed out of her outfit by the time he arrived, but she must have seen something special in him, that she changed back into what she was wearing and went out on the town. Clyde and Ruth were engaged after two months and married in less than nine.

Needless to say, we are very thankful to Tommy and Rosalee Patton for setting them up!

After Ruth graduated from UNCG, they moved to Dobson, NC where Clyde spent a while as an educator/vice principal and then settled in as a successful agent with Farm Bureau Insurance. While in Dobson, they welcomed two boys, Mark and Jeff, and then moved to the big city of Raleigh, NC in 1978 as a family of four. Although he was a talented agent that caught the attention of the management of Farm Bureau, Clyde credits his quick promotion to Ruth, who charmingly and commandingly addressed the NC agency sales force at one of their sales conferences. Clyde poured into his career as NC Farm Bureau’s state sales manager, which he held for over 35 years. This is where he and Ruth made a tremendous amount of life-long friends attending conferences, world-wide travels, and wonderful family vacations. We appreciate the Farm Bureau “family” and all their support through the years. If not at work or tending to his manicured lawn, he was at one of his boys’ soccer games, which included a tremendous amount of travel up and down the East coast. I don’t think that he missed a game.

Clyde was a committed member of Providence Baptist Church and served with Ruth in the children’s ministry and cheered many a crying baby by strolling up and down the hallways from the late 80’s to the mid 2000’s. Many more friendships were cultivated through their relationship with church members, neighbors (they have lived in the same house in Raleigh for 49 years) and school relationships, which some go back as far as when the boys were in elementary school.

After retirement, Clyde volunteered at Duke Health Raleigh Hospital as a shuttle driver, getting patients from their cars to the facility safely. He loved serving the families in need and we always enjoyed the crazy stories that he would have of driving everyone back to their cars, if they could remember where they parked. He was always determined to get them to the right spot, even if it took several laps around the garage.

He was a tremendous support to his wife of 57 years, all during her battle with cancer. She fought hard for 4 years, and he was by her side every step of the way. There is no doubt that a hole was left in his heart when she passed away on Valentines Day of 2024. A joyous reunion was held the morning of the 12th, when he was embraced by the Lord Jesus and his beautiful little angel, Ruth. Clyde was a kind and gentle soul. A friend to many.

Dedicated husband, loving brother, supportive father, wonderful uncle, proud Dat-Dat of 7 and proud great- Dat-Dat of 2. Above all he valued his relationship with his savior Jesus Christ.

Clyde is survived by his sons Mark Ashley Fulk and Jeffrey Merrill Fulk, and his wife Erin Brock Fulk, all of Raleigh; grandchildren, Griffin Fulk and his wife Emilee Fulk, Asher Fulk and his wife Hope Fulk, Layton Fulk and his soon to be wife Libby Rex, Bodie Fulk, Owen Fulk, Nola Fulk, and Wynne Fulk; great-grandchildren, Oliver Fulk and Ruby Fulk; brother, Owen Fulk and wife Wanda Fulk; sister, Ann Reid and husband Alvin Reid; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, and wife of 57 years, Ruth Merrill Fulk.

A Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, August 19th at 11:00am at Providence Church, 6339 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612. There will be a reception to follow the service to greet the family.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Transitions Life Care (transitionslifecare.org, 888-900-3959, 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607.) We are thankful for their support and care and we appreciate the tremendous support that we received from Dee Castro and her loving team of care givers.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Clyde, or a message of condolence for is family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.