William Thomas Fuller

William “Bill” Thomas Fuller of Abingdon, Virginia, age 97, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026 at Commonwealth Senior Living. Born on May 19, 1928 in Granville County, North Carolina to the late Willie and Macha Fuller, Bill was the second of four children.

Bill was a devoted husband to his first wife, Audria Parris Fuller, and his second wife, Emma Durrett Fuller, both of whom he lost to cancer.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Gail Fuller Blair (Frank), Gary Thomas Fuller, Jann Fuller Balue (Tom), and Joel William Fuller (Barbara) as well as stepchildren Debbie Durrett Caudell (Bobby), Mark Durrett (Kelly), and Michael Durrett (Shannon). He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Bill served two years in the United States Army in Augusta, Georgia. He also worked for over thirty years for The American Tobacco Company as a foreman and then a buyer. It was Bill’s job with The American Tobacco Company that brought Bill, Audria, and Gail to Abingdon in 1954. Bill also owned the Launderama on Main Street where the parking lot for Farris Funeral Home is now located. Despite his many responsibilities, Bill always made time for his family.

Bill was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity, and honesty. He was Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 222, a coach for minor and little league baseball, school bus driver, and a member of the following: Abingdon United Methodist Church, Abingdon Civitan Club, and Masonic Lodge #48 in Abingdon.

After retiring from The American Tobacco Company, Bill enjoyed traveling with his second wife, Emma. They traveled all over the United States (including Hawaii) visiting national parks, professional baseball stadiums, and more. They also traveled to Canada. Bill was a fan of the Atlanta Braves and NASCAR. He loved trading cars (owning over one hundred different cars over his lifetime). Later in life, Bill enjoyed reading Western books and working jigsaw puzzles.

The family wishes to thank Dr. William Handy and the caring staff members of Commonwealth Senior Living, and Caris Healthcare.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Home (Main Street) in Abingdon. A service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul Seay and Rev. Laura Blair Plaster officiating. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Thomas Balue, IV, Justin Plaster, Vince Brown, Justin Thomas, Jonathan Willis, Mark Durrett, Michael Durrett, and Grant Durrett.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to: Abingdon United Methodist Church (capital campaign fund), Shriners Hospitals for Children through Jericho Shrine No. 180 (Blountville, TN), and St. Jude.

The family of William "Bill" Thomas Fuller is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service - Main Street Chapel, 427 E. Main Street Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.