Robert Joe "Sarge" Fulton

Robert Joe “Sarge” Fulton, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. He was born on June 8, 1935, in Adamsville, Tennessee, the son of Fred and Reta Fulton.

Joe was a man of deep faith. He grew up attending Chewalla Baptist Church, where, as a young boy, he became a Christian after a sermon by Harry Winters and was baptized in a nearby farm pond. His devotion to Christ remained a guiding light throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his beloved wife, Shirley Fulton, with whom he shared many cherished years and raised their four children: Julia Reeves (Kevin) of New Port Richey, FL; Robert Michael Fulton (Lynda) of Collierville, TN; Janet Baker (Eddie) of Cordova, TN; and Jill Bailey (Tracy) of Germantown, TN.

Joe was the proud grandfather of Laura Reeves Miller (David), Curtis Reeves (Cara), David Fulton (Allison), LeeAnn Bailey, Allie Bailey, Emily Baker, and Zachary Baker; and the loving great-grandfather of Maisy Miller, Maren Miller, Caleb Reeves, and Chloe Reeves.

A 1953 graduate of Ramer High School, Joe served as class president and president of the FFA. Following high school, he proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Security Agency, where he was stationed in Japan “spying on the Russians and playing softball,” as he liked to say.

After his military service, Joe enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a business manager with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, from which he later retired.

He was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church and loved spending time with his family above all else. He also enjoyed in playing golf, softball, and later riding his scooter.

Joe will be remembered as a devoted Christian, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man who lived his life with faith, service, and joy.