Bernard was born February 7, 1923, the third child and oldest son of D. W. “Bud” and Nina Hatcher Fulton in Winston County, where he attended Calhoun Grade School. He later attended “CC” Camp or Conservation Corp, and it was there that he learned to do mechanic work, to use a torch, weld, and other skills that would become his life’s work. Bernard entered the United States Army on February 9, 1943, at Hollibard Ord, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a member of the 1491st Engineer Maintenance Company, Grade T-Sergeant, a shop maintenance mechanic specializing in Mechanic-Construction equipment. He served in New Guinea, Northern Solomon Islands, Southern Philippines, and Luzon. He received the Victory Medal Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal GO ll 1491st Engineers 1943. His separation date was December 7, 1945. After his military service, the family moved back to Winston County where he worked for Winston County Supervisor J. T. Reed, at Taylor Machine Works, and later for H. C. Price Construction Company working all over the United States, including Alaska, in pipeline construction. Bernard was an avid outdoorsman and a member of Dancing Rabbit Hunting Club for many years. He enjoyed hunting especially turkey and deer; and fishing with his wife, Theresa, was a favorite pastime for both. Bernard was a Master Mason in the Louisville Lodge No. 75 for 62 years and a Shriner for 60 years.
Bernard is survived by five sons: Bernard Lee Fulton; Lennie Fulton and wife Babs; Gary Fulton and wife Sue; Roy Dale Fulton and wife Melisa; Jody Fulton and wife Billie Jean; and daughter-in-law Shiela Fulton. One of his greatest joys was being “Papaw” to his grandchildren: Greg Fulton; Stephanie (Brian) Horan; Brian (Ali) Fulton; Brent (Lori) Fulton; Kim (Paul) Killen; Kenny (Laura Beth) Fulton; Jacob (Katie) Fulton; Dru (Cassidy) Crenshaw; Candace (Jimmy) Rushing; Jessica Fulton (Chris Amis); and Lorynn (Wes) Tanksley. He also leaves behind to mourn his passing 33 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and two brothers David Lee Fulton and James Fulton. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 77 years Theresa Bonelli Fulton, daughter Annette Fulton, son Dan Fulton, grandson Bradley Fulton, his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
Serving as pallbearers are Brandon Fulton, Brent Fulton, Brian Fulton, Jacob Fulton, Kenny Joe Fulton, Bryce Horan, and Jimmy Rushing. Memorials in honor of Bernard may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
