Arthur Eugene Fullington's Obituary
On January 9. 2023, Arthur Eugene Fullington, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at Baylor Medical Center of Dallas. He was born October 31, 1932, to Dessie Mae Ruff and Fred Sherman Fullington on a farm along the Pease River near Lazare, Texas. He is predeceased by his parents, his 6 brothers; James, Gordon, Sherman, Andrew, Dave, & Albert, and his two sisters; Rosa Lee Grimes and Helen Boss.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Lou Elliott, as well as 3 children; Ron Fullington and wife Alisa, Gary Fullington and wife Cindy, and Janice Ballou and husband Paul; the delights of his life, his 9 grandchildren; Amber Stone and husband Shane, Lindsay Clark and husband Dustin, Adam Fullington and wife Mandy, Annie Hervey and husband Clay, Erin Ballou Kraus and husband Andrew, and Julia Ballou Brennan and husband Nick; as well as his great grandchildren; Hannah and Jace Fullington, Brynleigh and Logan Clark, Harrison, Dylan, and Carson Hervey, Hudson Fullington, Theo Kraus, and baby girl Brennan due in July 2023. Being from a large family and marrying into a larger family, he has a multitude of in-laws, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly! Arthur often spoke of how proud he was of his family, their resilience, common sense, and love.
Arthur was raised in the Pentecostal church but changed to Baptist when he married Mary. He was baptized at Elam Road Baptist church by brother J.R.Stuart on March 4, 1956. He joined Casa View Baptist church in 1964 and quietly served, assisting home bound members, building playgrounds, buying sports jerseys, and participating in the Baptist Men’s group. Before work, he could be found reading his bible at the breakfast table, leading a few of his children’s friends to refer to him as “Arthur the Baptist”. He was humble, kind, and a hard worker.
As a young man, Arthur did a variety of odd jobs including the West Texas oil fields and selling vacuum cleaners door to door. He eventually trained as a printer and worked for the Dallas Times Herald, ran a print shop for a pharmaceutical company, and owned his own business. Through the Dallas Jaycees, he was introduced to real estate and earned his sells and broker’s license. He was proud that he was able to take night classes at SMU in English and Literature. He ran a small company and owned and managed several properties, both residential and commercial. Through real estate he was introduced to the Lion’s Club, which became his passion for more than 50 years. With the Lions Club International, Arthur held several offices with his local chapter, the Trinity Industrial Lions Club. He took a special interest in the vision programs, where he volunteered to do vision screenings for school children and provide eyeglasses. He was also an advocate for the Lion’s Eye Bank, the Callier Hearing Center, and the Lion’s Texas Camp for children. Arthur had a slip of paper in his Bible on which he had written, “The most meaningful testament is our children.”
Arthur was a member of the National Guard from 1953 to 1957. Health issues led to an honorable discharge just prior to his unit’s mobilization. He was always proud of his service, but often discounted his role since he was never deployed. In his later years, he was finally convinced that it was okay to be recognized as a veteran.
Everyone who knew Arthur spoke of his kindness and gentle spirit. He often told his physicians that he had no trouble sleeping because he had a clear conscious. Matthew 5:3-11, known as the “The Beatitudes” characterizes Arthur’s life, especially versus 5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”.
Many thanks to the nurses, physicians, and staff at Baylor Medical Center Dallas who cared for him in his last days. Hopefully they will remember his compassion for them as he serenaded with “The Waltz Across Texas” and several of his other favorite tunes! Also, we are grateful to the tremendous doctors and nurses who provided such excellent care in the preceding years.
He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dallas Trinity Industrial Lions Club. Manuel Palavicini, President/Treasurer. 3415 Bristol Dr. Arlington, Texas 76013
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