William Fuller

Lt. Colonel William M. Fuller, U.S. Army, Retired, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2014. Colonel Fuller was born in Johnson City, NY on July 30, 1923. He served his county for 26 years as an Air Defense Officer, including seven years as a Senior Paratrooper, with the 82nd (All-American) Airborne Division earning three battle stars in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge, the Ardennes, the Huertgen Forest and Central Germany. In the early 50’s, he served with the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. During the Korean Conflict, 1951-1952 he earned four battle stars. Other decorations included the Army Commendation Medal and the Belgian Fourraguerre. His military career included posts in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, New York, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Korea, and Ontario, Canada. Following military retirement in 1968, he became a real estate broker. During the next 22 years he owned and managed several successful real estate companies. Bill was baptized in the Union Baptist Church, Endicott, NY in the 1930’s. He joined the Lake Washington Fellowship Church in 2009. He was a member of Theta Delta Chi, a national collegiate fraternity. He was a Past Master and life member (MIP) of Palma Vista Masonic Lodge, No. 205, Free & Accepted Masons, Princeton, FL., and later, transferred membership to Palm Bay Lodge, No. 397, Palm Bay, FL. He was a life member, 32nd Degree, of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Miami. He was a Past President of the Cape Canaveral Chapter, National Sojourners and a member of the Heroes of ’76, Patrick AFB. He was a Compatriot in the Brevard Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, the Cape Canaveral Chapter, a member of Military Officers’ Assn. of America (formerly T.R.O.A.). On Wednesdays he golfed in the Harbor City Men’s Golf Assoc. and was a life member of VFW Post #8191. An active Shriner, he was a Past President of the AZAN Melbourne Golfers, a Past Commander of the AZAN Legion of Honor, Past Commodore of the AZAN Yacht Club, a Master Artisan in Costa del Espacio Teocalli #136, Order of Quetzalcoatl and a member of the B.O.C. Claw #5. He was most proud of having been Potentate (CEO) of AZAN Shrine, A.A.O.N.M.S., Melbourne in 2004. Bill was most always seen smiling, had a quick sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed his many friends. He loved to tell jokes and was very entertaining. He loved golfing with his friends and was an avid Miami Hurricanes, Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins and Orlando Magic fan. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Misao, brother Gerald (Dottie), daughter Sheryl (Ted), son Will (Brenda); adopted son Wayne (Nancy); step-daughter Gail ; step-daughter Sandra (Troy), nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald (Phyllis), brother, Clifford and adopted son Roy (Wendy). Local services will be held at the AZAN Shriners Centers, 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, FL, on Tuesday, March 18th, 2014. Visitation will be at 9:00 am and funeral services at 10:00 am with Pastor Jorge Acevedo officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the AZAN Hospital Transportation Fund, c/o AZAN Shriners Center. Internment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.