Dr. John David Fulton

Dr. John David Fulton passed away on May 30, 2023, in Abingdon, Virginia. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage and determination in facing life challenges.  

Born on December 4, 1937, and raised in Norton, Virginia, John truly loved the mountains. After graduating from John I. Burton High School in Norton, John attended NC State University receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and PhD in Mathematics. He was a full professor at Clemson University and then became Department Chair building the department to national recognition. John became Dean at the University of West Florida and then University of Missouri, Rolla. He retired as Senior Vice Provost at Virginia Tech. He was a lifelong member and supporter of the American Math Association, and he supported Clemson University and UVA Wise with his gifts. John also served his communities as a Rotarian and past President of Friends of DW Daniel High School.

John was a believer and Christian and member of the United Methodist Church. He taught Sunday School to young people and adults for decades, preparing carefully to foster discussion and learning. A lifelong athlete, John played sports, jogged, trout fished, was an avid cyclist and later pushed himself to walk daily as he battled several medical challenges always “getting his steps in”. John’s team was the Clemson Tigers. He loved cheering the tigers on, and it was rare that John wasn’t sporting a tiger paw somewhere on his person.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Maurice Jr. and Esther Claudia Fulton as well as siblings, Claude Maurice Fulton III and Constance Fulton Reinhart. His beloved wife, Marie Arney Fulton, passed away in 2006. Marie’s parents, Ernest and Besse Arney (both deceased) loved him dearly.

John is survived by his dear wife Eva Graham Fulton, his daughter Suzanna Fulton, brother, Dr. Charles Fulton (Judge Suzanne), brother-in-law, Danny Yeary, stepchildren, Kelly Graham, Mark Graham (Tonya), and grandsons Hayden Campbell (Ashton), Adam Campbell (Bethany), Colin Graham, many nieces and nephews, and treasured lifelong friends, the “Bonded Burton Brothers”: Dr. Charles Henderson, Dr. Bill Kanto, Dr. P.D. Miller, and Judge Bob Stump.

A celebration of life service will be arranged and communicated to friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Clemson University, UVA, Wise or the educational institution of your choice to honor John’s passion and commitment to education.

The family of Dr. John David Fulton is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.