Robert Ferguson Fuller

Robert (Bobby) Ferguson Fuller was born on November 27, 1941 to James and Mary Fuller in Winnsboro, South Carolina. He grew up in Columbia and graduated from Dreher High School in 1959. He was editor of the yearbook, served on student council, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Best All Around.”

Bobby Graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1964 and from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1967. He was editor of the Law Review. Bobby began his legal career with a general civil practice that evolved as he focused on commercial real estate, development, and zoning. He loved the practice of law and maintained his office and practice until the end of his life.

In college he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity, and beginning in 1967 was an active and faithful member of Forest Lake Club. Baseball was Bobby’s favorite pastime in his early years. He was also was an avid quail hunter and tennis player until those passions were superseded by his love for golf. Over the course of his golf career, he competed locally and across the state in tournaments, finishing his life with 3 holes-in-one. One of his greatest pleasures was the time he spent with his regular foursome each Saturday at Forest Lake Club. After a round of golf, “Uncle Bobby” could always be found in the FLC men’s locker room enjoying a drink and conversation with his friends.

Bobby was a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ and a devoted member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where he served as both an ordained Elder and Deacon. At EPC he served in a variety of service and leadership positions from administration to education. He was a popular Bible teacher who taught Sunday school classes and Bible studies for over 40 years. His work with the greater church also included long-time service as General Counsel for Trinity Presbytery (SC) and as a commissioner to the Synod of the South Atlantic. He greatly enjoyed his long-time service on the board of the Salvation Army and spent many Christmas holidays as a bell-ringer.

Bobby was also a gifted cartoonist and writer. He wrote over 100 devotional pieces for church publications including newsletters, Lent and Advent study booklets. In addition to using his artistic skills to entertain his family and friends in personal letters, he used his drawings to illustrate biblical concepts and lessons for his study groups.

Bobby became a Certified Barbecue Judge (Kansas City Barbecue Association and Memphis in May organizations) and judged competitions all over the southeast. Friends remember him as a dapper dresser with a keen sense of humor. He was a life-long Gamecock who never lost hope. He could be found most mornings at a men’s prayer breakfast, Lizard’s Thicket or Hardee’s on Rosewood.

He cherished his family and loved reminiscing in long conversations. Bobby was a loving father who supported his sons through youth and high school sports to careers in ministry and veterinary medicine. His son Ben is a veterinarian in Charleston, SC and Bob is a Presbyterian pastor in San Antonio, Texas. “Grand Bobby” was very proud of his four grandchildren. He and Betsy (“Bicky”) spent many hours on the road to be present for recitals, soccer games, school plays, cross country meets, award ceremonies, scout, church and school occasions.

Bobby is survived by his two sons, Robert Ferguson Fuller, Jr. (Bob) and his wife Morgan of San Antonio, Texas; and Benjamin Gambill Fuller (Ben) and his wife Lucy of Charleston, South Carolina. He had four beloved grandchildren: Lura Elizabeth (El), Robert III (Bo), Grace Elizabeth, and Margaret Clare. He is also survived by his sister Mary Lu Price, his brother James Fuller (Jimmy) and wife Dotsy, his lifelong friend and former wife Elizabeth M. Fuller (Betsy), and by many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We are all especially grateful for the faithful and loving care provided by Mary Lu and Betsy through his final days. We would also like to thank Denise Hudson of Another Voice Care Management and the staffs of Wildewood Downs and National Health Care—Parklane for their guidance and love.

In lieu of flowers please share your gifts with the Salvation Army or Eastminster Presbyterian Church. A memorial service is scheduled for January 5 at two o’clock p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. The Rev. Dr. Brad Smith and the Rev. Dr. Ben Sloan will preside.