Grady Preston Fuller
Grady Preston Fuller, 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior Feb. 7.
Mr. Fuller was born and raised in Franklin County and was a Russellville High School graduate. He went on to earn degrees from Howard College (Samford University) and the University of Alabama. Mr. Fuller was a history and political science professor at Cumberland University in Williamsburg, Kentucky and Martin College in Pulaski, Tenn. He also taught at Northwest-Shoals Community College from its establishment in 1963 to his retirement in 1987.
Upon retiring, he spent several years researching his family’s genealogical roots. Mr. Fuller authored four books based on his research findings.
During his late 60s, Grady felt led by the Lord to devote the remainder of his life to missionary work. The next 25 years would be spent traveling within the United States and abroad preaching, distributing Bibles, building churches and establishing orphanages. He spoke in area churches on behalf of the Gideons International, sharing his testimony and an awareness of services provided by Gideons worldwide.
Mr. Fuller was a member of Russellville First Baptist Church. He was also an active member of several service and civic groups, as well as a Mason and Shriner.
Mr. Fuller leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Martha Ann (Davis) Fuller, and four children: George and wife Cindy, Norma and husband Creig, Patricia and husband Chris and Donna and husband Rodney. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Cody, Adam, Sarah, Eric, Kevin, Lindsey and Brayden. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Elizabeth (Poss) Fuller and three siblings: Robert, Druey and Estelle.
Services for Mr. Fuller will be officiated by Patrick Martin, Sammy Taylor, Troy Oliver and Jeff Bowling at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at Pinkard’s Funeral Home in Russellville. Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Bert Fowler, accompanied by Paula Lindsey, will lead the music. Jimmy Murphee and members of Grady’s Sunday school class will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideons International or Russellville First Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Kindred Hospice Care.
