Billy Ray Fuller, Sr., passed away peacefully July 20, 2025, in Fort Worth, at the age of 85. He was born Aug. 6, 1939, in Evansville, Ind., to Raymond M. Fuller and Estel M. Williams.
Bill grew up in Indiana and graduated from Newburgh High School in 1957. Shortly after, in 1958, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and promptly became a certified Dental Technician. This led him to serve in the Dental Detachment at MCRD - Parris Island, S.C. His service was marked by Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals, and he was honorably discharged in 1964.
Bill’s educational ventures included Vincennes University where he studied computer programming and furthering his education at UT Arlington and Dallas Baptist University. 
His professional career as a systems analyst spanned decades, including positions at JCPenney, Vought LTV, Dresser Industries (later Haliburton), University Computing Company and the Boy Scouts of America. 
He retired from Haliburton in 2003 but continued working, volunteering and learning. Bill took a few classes at Trinity Valley Community College, worked with the Census Bureau, helped out at the State Fair and would help with local elections. 
After completing his Navy service, Bill moved around for work and eventually landed in the Peeltown area of Texas in 1985. He spent his free time attending and volunteering at his children’s sporting and academic ventures in Kemp. 
In 1996, Bill rededicated his life to Christ—a turning point that inspired a life of service. He volunteered at food pantries, participated in Habitat for Humanity, was active in ministering for prison and rehab programs, and was deeply involved in his church community. 
As a gifted baritone, Bill found joy in singing and was known especially for his powerful renditions of “How Great Thou Art.” He had ties to several local churches including Post Oak Bend Baptist Church, Tolosa Baptist Church, The Cowboy Church, Christian Life Center GBC and Rockin’ Country Church. 
Bill moved away from Cedar Creek Lake in 2020 to be with family while undergoing cancer treatments. 
In 2022, he became a resident at Discovery Village Assisted Living at Alliance in Fort Worth. He felt called to lead and expand a nondenominational prayer and worship group there. The employees and residents were family to him and it is at Discovery that Bill met and married his wife Mary. 
Bill had a generous spirit, a heart full of compassion, never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. He loved attending rodeos, festivals, carnivals, revivals, cheering on his favorite sports teams, going to car shows and embracing every moment with gratitude and faith.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Juanita Fuller, sisters Jeannene Gilday and Sue Newcomer, brother James Fuller, former wives Cecelia Gay and Cathy Fuller and his beloved wife Mary Ussery Fuller.
He is survived by his children Bill Fuller and wife Diana of Wyoming and Missouri, Chris Fuller of Georgia, Robin Fuller of Iowa, Catherine Connors and her husband Brian of Texas and Mary Landrie and husband Shane of Texas and step-children Amy Clay and husband Melvin of Texas, Jo Anne Swanson and husband Dave of Texas, Cathy Ussery of Idaho, Dawn (Renette) Plaster of Washington and John Ussery of Washington. He was the proud grandfather of 29 grandchildren and cherished numerous great-grandchildren.
Bill is also survived by sisters Kathy Like of Nevada, Julie Napier and husband Neal of Indiana, Jessica Sears of New York, sister-in-law  Mary Fuller, widow of his late brother James of New York.
He will be remembered by countless nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 17, 2025 at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller.