Robert Thomas Fults Jr.

Mr. Robert Thomas Fults, Jr., lovingly known to all as "Junior," peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, family devotion, and distinguished service to his country and church. Junior began his earthly journey on December 11, 1934, in Macon, Georgia, as the second of thirteen children born to Robert T. Fults, Sr. and Florrie Olivia Green Fults. Nurtured in a loving Christian home, he received his early spiritual teachings from his devoted grandparents, Bernard and Leila Fults, alongside his parents. He accepted Christ at an early age and became an active member of Jones Tabernacle CME Church in Macon, where he participated in Sunday School and youth activities. He also received his formal early education in the public school system of Macon.

In December 1951, at the tender age of seventeen, Junior answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, serving honorably for nearly four years. His passion for service led him to re-enter the military in June 1955, this time joining the United States Air Force. He dedicated twenty years of honorable service to the Air Force, officially retiring in 1975. Junior was a man of great intellect who valued continuous learning. Throughout his military and civilian career, he pursued higher education, attending the National Electronics School of Los Angeles, California, and completing numerous advanced technical courses before graduating from the NASA Engineering Technical School. Following his military retirement, his expertise led him into the United States Civil Service with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he worked with distinction until his second retirement in 1998.

In October 1958, Junior married the absolute love of his life, Madeline Frances Sellers. Together, they shared 67 beautiful years of marriage, building a home anchored in unconditional love, mutual respect, and faith. To this sacred union, three children were born: Emanuel Craig, Timothy Bernard, and Sondra Dee. Junior was a proud, supportive father and the patriarch of a sprawling, blessed family. He loved nothing more than gathering with his loved ones, sharing family history, transferring wisdom, and celebrating together, especially during the cherished Fults Family Reunions.

In 1982, Brother Fults found his spiritual home in Hampton, Virginia, joining the Bethel AME Church family. For over four decades, he was a pillar of leadership, strength, and integrity within the church, pouring his heart into serving God's people. His extensive leadership roles at Bethel included serving as Chair Pro TEM of the Bethel A.M.E. Church Steward Board for more than sixteen years, and as a dedicated member of the Steward Board for over twenty years. He also served faithfully as President of the Usher Board, President of the Lay Organization, Director of Christian Education, and Sunday School Teacher. He gave his time generously to the Stewardship and Finance Commission, serving as Church Delegate, and participating with the Men’s Fellowship/Sons of Allen. When he was not serving his country, his family, or his church, Junior could often be found on the peaceful waters fishing or enjoying a round of golf.

Junior was welcomed into eternity by his loving parents, Robert and Florrie Fults; his beloved son, Emanuel Craig Fults; and his siblings, Carol Ann Fults Sellers, Florrie Joyce Fults Hudson, Leila Berdean Fults Pitt, Andrew Ralph Fults, and Mabel Laverne Fults Ross.

He leaves a rich harvest of love and memories to be cherished by his devoted and loving wife of 67 years, Madeline Fults; his son, Timothy Bernard Fults (LaShawn); his daughter, Sondra Dee Fults; and his daughter-in-law, Calonia Fults. His legacy also lives on through his three grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years.

He is also survived by his siblings, Lauretta Lois Fults Randall (William), Marion Fults (Hester Jean), John Edward Fults (Carmen), Kathy Elaine Fults Jackson, Janice Rose Fults Smith (Obie), Shelia Faye Fults, and Anthony Calvin Fults (Tammy); as well as his devoted lifelong friend, Dwight Elliott and his family, along with a vast host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and dear friends.

As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the profound impact he had on our lives and the world around him. May his gentle spirit live on in our hearts as a reminder of a life beautifully, honorably, and faithfully lived.

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