William "Doug" Douglas Fuller's Obituary
William Douglas “Doug” Fuller, age 83, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 9, 2025.
Doug was born on September 18, 1942, in Cynthiana, Kentucky, to William “Roy” and Mildred Fuller. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as a Telephone Equipment Specialist before beginning a 33-year career as an Engineer with General Telephone & Electronics (GTE), later acquired by Verizon.
A man of deep faith and steady conviction, Doug believed firmly in God, Country, and Family. He grew up on a dairy and tobacco farm, where hard work and humility shaped his lifelong values. Known for his generosity and kind heart, he never hesitated to lend a hand or share a word of encouragement. He found joy in helping others, tinkering with anything that needed fixing, and enjoying breakfast with friends at the North Lakeland Chick-fil-A.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Carol “Cookie” Fuller; daughter Michelle Meier (Joey); stepsons Thomas Minton (Tania) and Kevin Minton (Dawnelle); daughter Jamie Martin (fiancé Steve); his brother Larry Fuller (the late Joyce); sisters Gayle Whitson (the late Gerald), Janie Wilkerson (Dave), and Beverly Latham (Tom); nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father William “Roy” Fuller, mother Mildred Fuller, former wife Mary Frances Fuller, and stepson Jackie Minton.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL 33810, followed by a funeral service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place at 12:45 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513. Friends and family may visit the gravesite after 4:00 p.m. or during regular cemetery hours on later dates.
Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes in the name of William “Doug” Fuller. Memorial donations are preferred, in lieu of flowers, may be made to American Legion Post 4, 1375 Ariana Street, Lakeland, FL 33803, in the name of Airman First Class William “Doug” Fuller.
Doug will be remembered for his steadfast faith, loyal heart, and quiet humor — a true patriot whose life reflected service, love, and grace.
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