Obituary of Eugene S. Fulghum

SMSGT. Eugene S. Fulghum, Jr Rome Eugene S. Fulgham, Jr., age 76, passed away July 8, 2010. He was born October 30, 1933 in Halifax County, N.C., son of the late Eugene S. and Virginia Long Fulghum. He was educated in North Carolina schools and took college courses at East Carolina University and University of Maryland, Far East Division and numerous Air Force Technical and Leadership schools. Gene served in the U.S. Air Force from August 1951 to October 1971 when he retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his Air Force career he served at several stateside bases and in Japan and Vietnam. His many awards and decorations included the Air Force Meritorious Service, Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation, and Vietnam Service Medals. In 1968 he was named Outstanding Airman for the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. He married Patricia Ruth Brenniman on July 10, 1954 at Selfridge AFB, Michigan. Following retirement from the Air Force, Gene accepted the position of Business Office Manager for Rome Memorial Hospital, a position he held until his retirement in October 1988. After a period of inactivity, he worked for Clinton Moving and Packing Co. and then for Chapman Farms, Inc as Bookkeeper and Office Manager. Gene was active in St. John's Lutheran Church where he had served as Congregational Secretary and President, member of the Board of Elders, Christian Education, Audit Committee, Computer Committee and Usher. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat; two daughters and sons in law Virginia F. and Louis DeMaio of Bowie MD, and Debra F. and Robert Wollaber of Rome; son and daughter in law Charles and Kelly Fulghum of Rome; a sister, Jean F. Hudgins of Virginia Beach, VA; five grandchildren Claire, James and Emily DeMaio, Trisha W. St. Thomas and husband Richard and Kathryn Fulghum; a great granddaughter Emma St. Thomas; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers in law Edith F. and Carl Myrick and Jewel F. and John Broome. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 11:00 AM, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 502 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Monday 4-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made in Gene's memory to the Memorial Fund, St. John's Lutheran Church. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: BarryFuneralHome.com