Thomas Richard Fuller (T.R.)

March 28, 1940 – July 25, 2025

Thomas Richard Fuller, affectionately known as T.R., passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in West Point, Georgia, on March 28, 1940, and raised in Auburn, Alabama, T.R. lived a life rooted in service, family, and a deep love for the outdoors. He was a proud Eagle Scout and enjoyed all sports, but especially fishing and hunting. While in college he met and married the love of his life Melbur Hancock of Richmond, VA. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Forestry and was a charter member (#6) of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity while at Auburn. T.R. also served his country with honor in the Alabama Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG). He is a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Auburn.

T.R. was the founder and owner of T. Richard Fuller Land Surveying, INC., faithfully serving the Auburn/Opelika area for over 40 years. His work left a lasting mark on the development of Auburn and surrounding Lee County. But it was on the water where T.R. found his greatest joy—second only to Melbur. Together with his friends Tom Sparrow and Ray Scott, he co-founded the Auburn B.A.S.S. Masters Club in 1969, the first organized B.A.S.S. club in the state of Alabama. He fished both the national B.A.S.S. and FLW tournament fishing trails winning countless awards. T.R. had an uncanny ability to read the water and the land underneath, mapping every bend and hiding spot in his mind with the precision of a true angler.

T.R. is preceded in death by his beloved wife Melbur Hancock Fuller of 47 years, and his parents, Lundy and Wilmar Fuller. He is survived by his daughter Susan (Ed) Locke, son Thomas (Krystal) Fuller, five grandchildren Leann and Will Locke; Nicolas, James Thomas, and Lilliann Carrie Fuller; and three step grandchildren Audrey, Gerry, and Sam Scott. He also leaves behind his two sisters Charolette Fuller Musselwhite and Betty Fuller Gaylor, along with many extended family members, nieces and nephews, and friends who will miss his knowledge, storytelling, and love of the outdoors.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home (1801 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL). A funeral service will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 1, at Grace United Methodist Church (915 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL), followed by graveside interment at Memorial Gardens Cemetery (1000 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL).

T. Richard's legacy lives on in the land he surveyed, the waters he fished, and the family he cherished. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. WAR EAGLE!

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.