WILLIAM H. FULTON

William H. “Bill” Fulton of Lexington passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, after a brief illness due to Legionella pneumonia. 

Born in Huntington, Ind., on March 15, 1947, Bill was the only child of Jack and Neola Meek Fulton. 

A 1965 graduate of Huntington High School in Indiana, he attended Ball State University and graduated in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree in Urban and Regional Planning. His planning career spanned 37 years and included work with Powers-Willis & Associates (Iowa City, Iowa); Montgomery County Planning Commission (Norristown, Pa.); Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern (Roanoke);and notably the Chester County Planning Commission (West Chester, Pa.), where he spent 21 years, serving as assistant director and executive director. One of the Planning Commission’s most significant accomplishments under his leadership was being awarded the “Best Comprehensive Plan in America” by the American Planning Association.

An avid sports enthusiast, Bill discovered rugby in the early 1970s, forming many life-long friendships. In addition to playing for several decades, he served as president of the Roanoke Rugby Club, Treasurer of the Virginia Rugby Union, Trustee for the Philadelphia-Whitemarsh Rugby Club, President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union, co-founder of the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Union and coordinated team rugby tours in the U.S., Scotland and Wales.

Of Scottish descent and proud of his heritage, Bill was particularly passionate about Robert Burns, the poet laureate of Scotland.  He enjoyed reading Burns’ letters, reciting his poems and studying his life.  He graciously shared his knowledge of Burns with family and friends hoping to inspire others and he was always able to find a Burns phrase or poem that related to almost every experience in life. His interest led him to become a member of the Robert Burns World Federation and to serve as director and USA vice president of the Robert Burns Association of North America. He was also an honorary life member of the South Jersey Celtic Society. Additionally, he was a member of the Clan Stewart Society of America, the Society of the Virginia Highlands and the Scottish Historic Research Society of the Delaware Valley, Pa.

Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Jim (Morgan) Fulton, to whom he was deeply devoted.  He was a captivating storyteller with a dry wit that could catch you off-guard, and he will be fondly remembered for his honesty, integrity, loyalty, thoughtfulness and sense of humor.  He leaves behind two nephews, several cousins and many cherished friends, both life-long and newly found.

The family sincerely thanks and will be forever grateful to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Virginia Medical Center who lovingly cared for Bill during his illness.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to Good Shepherd LutheranChurch, 617 S. Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450; the National Trust for Scotland (www.nts.org.uk); or a charity of your choice.

Services will be conducted in Lexington on Wednesday, Oct. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 617 S. Main Street, followed by the inurnment at Oak Grove Cemetery, 318 S. Main Street, and a celebration of life at VMI’s Moody Hall, 304 Letcher Avenue.

Parking & Shuttle Information for all guests: Please park in the Food Lion parking lot, 84 East Midland Trail, Lexington. Please arrive at the parking lot by 9:15 a.m. to ensure a timely arrival at the church.  A shuttle service will provide transportation from the parking lot to the church, the cemetery and/or the reception as well as returning to your cars.

(Note:  No handicap or general parking is available at Moody Hall on Wednesday due to staff parking and construction.)

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.