R. Vernon Fuller

HAINES CITY - Rev. R. Vernon Fuller, Jr., 83, of Haines City died Friday, October 17, 2014 in Haines City. He was born June 10, 1931 in Eustis, Florida to Ralph and Katherine (Taylor) Fuller, Sr. He grew up in Daytona Beach. He attended South Ridgewood Elementary in Daytona Beach, Florida and made many lifelong friends there. On April 6, 1957, he married Joe Ann "Jodi" Smith at the First Christian Church in Atlanta, GA. Vernon was a veteran of the United States Army and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. He Graduated from Mainland High School, Georgia Tech, and Lexington Theological Seminary, becoming ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on November 3, 1961 at the First Christian Church in Daytona. Rev. Fuller served churches in Margate, Sanford, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Haines City as a Senior Pastor. He also served as Moderator of the Regional Church in Florida, as a hospital chaplain, and was a member of many ministerial associations. In his spare time he was an avid reader, stamp collector and model builder, enjoyed camping and going to Daytona Beach, and loved cars, airplanes and studying history. Rev. Fuller was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife Jodi Fuller; daughter Catherine A. Fuller of Orlando; son Christopher P. Fuller of St. Petersburg; grandchildren Annika and Adam Fuller; and many nieces, nephews and cousins on his wife's side. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 3PM at the First Christian Church in Haines City. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to the First Christian Church of Haines City, 705 S. 14th Street, Haines City, FL 33844 or Pershing Avenue Christian Church, 2000 E. Pershing Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806. Oak Ridge Funeral Care Haines City is in charge of arrangements.