Larry Fray Fuller

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by love, laughter, and prayer, Larry Fray Fuller passed away. Born on September 14, 1939, in Harmon, Virginia, to Arvil and Oda Fuller, Larry lived a life marked by joy, curiosity, adventure, and unwavering devotion to his family, including his six brothers and two sisters. He never met a stranger, never missed a chance to share a laugh, and genuinely believed every person was equal and worthy of kindness. He lived that belief every day. He left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Larry’s life of service and adventure began early. At age 17, he joined the Army Reserves with a friend so they could get boots for their Senior Play. What began as a practical decision eventually turned into a distinguished military career. He reenlisted at 42 and retired from the Army Reserves and National Guard at age 60 as a master fitness trainer and paratrooper.

After graduating from King College in Bristol, Tennessee, Larry moved west to conduct medical research at UCLA. Yet Appalachia called him home again and again. Concerned about the brain drain in his beloved region, he returned to Haysi, Virginia, to teach chemistry and journalism, determined to inspire young people in both science and storytelling. Ever the explorer, he left teaching for a time to work aboard Norwegian freight ships traveling across Europe. He later conducted medical research at the University of Virginia, where he met his future wife, Wrenda, before earning his Master of Divinity from Union Seminary in Richmond. With a focus on the church’s role in society, he returned once more to Southwest Virginia to found the Cumberland Plateau Community Services Authority. Throughout his life, Larry was drawn to solving problems large and small, from coal dust on local bridges to workforce development to world peace. His notebooks were filled with ideas for making the world better—some practical, some so ambitious they might have required a few committees and a small miracle. Even in retirement, he never stopped imagining ways to uplift his community.

Larry was a longtime member of Lebanon Memorial United Methodist Church, where he sang in his wife’s choir and taught Sunday School.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Wrenda Fuller; his daughter Heather (Joey) Bland; and his grandchildren Jack and Ike Fray, who knew him as Deda—their biggest fan, fiercest encourager, and world-class storyteller. Deda was famous for his disappearing knife trick, which somehow always reappeared behind a child’s ear, defying both logic and the laws of nature. He is also survived by his brothers Glen and Tony, his sister Iris, and numerous nieces and nephews who can each tell you an “Uncle Larry story,” and usually with hand motions.

Larry never stopped thinking up ways to make the world better. His notebooks are filled with ideas—some brilliant, some delightfully impractical, and all driven by his deep belief that one person truly can make a difference.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 23, at St. John Lutheran Church in Abingdon, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to My Refuge House myrefugehouse.org or to the charity of your choice. Larry would also encourage you to do a few pushups, talk to a stranger, or hatch a plan to change the world—just to keep things going.

The family of Larry Fray Fuller is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.