Charles Fuller was born on August 22, 1936, in Dubach, LA, and passed away on April 1, 2023, in Ruston, LA.  Charles was an avid baseball player and coach.  He played 3^rd base at Dubach High School on two state championship teams, 1952 and 1953.  He was asked to walk on at Louisiana Tech but was unable to play due to family responsibility.  After completing two years of college, he quit school to care for his new family.  He continued to play baseball with the Ruston Ramblers.

Charles worked at Poloron Products as the personnel manager from 1957-1972. He was asked to move to Pennsylvania or New York and he said “I’m not going above the Mason-Dixon line!”  In 1973 he opened The Sportsman, Ruston’s first complete sporting goods store.  He employed many local and college young people, and he treated customers more than fair.

Charles was a founding member of Ruston Dixie Baseball.  He coached many championship baseball teams and all-star teams.  He dedicated many years teaching and coaching the young people of Ruston the game of baseball that he loved so much.  Many of his players have stayed in touch with him throughout the years. Charles also officiated high school basketball for over 30 years.

He served the community as a Lincoln Parish Police Juror for over 20 years and the Lincoln General Hospital Board for 4 years.  He was also a Deacon at Cook Baptist Church.

Charles and his wife, Larnell traveled in their motor home to many places, especially Branson, MO.  After retiring, he enjoyed playing golf with friends at Trails End in Arcadia and drinking coffee in the mornings at McDonald’s with the guys.

Charles was a kind and generous person who anonymously helped those in need either financially or by personal action.  He loved joking with people, flirting with the nurses, and helping others.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Peggy L. Newcomb and her husband Jay, and their children: Casey Newcomb and his wife Brittney; Natalie Cannon and her husband, John; and Abby Newcomb; son Kenneth Fuller and his wife Jennifer, and their children:  Graham Fuller and his wife, Morgan; Lauren Blackwell and her husband, Logan; Anna Barbiero and her husband, A.J.;  Brian Miller and his wife, Meagan; Hilliary Miller and her fiancé’, Ryan McGrew; and Katie Miller. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Robert E. Napper and sister-in-law Laverne Rogers, seventeen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Amy Pace, a loving and long-time caregiver.  Also, thanks to caregivers Anitra Owens, Amber Lebrun, and Juanita Brown.  Appreciation is sent to Jamie Smith, nurse at The Guest House.  The family also gives a loving thank you to neighbors and dear friends, Mark and Jean Ann Price.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fight CRC, a colon cancer non-profit to further research and assist patients and families.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 10-11:30 AM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.  There will be a private family graveside service at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens in Ruston.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at

www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston

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