John Edward Fuller, 72, affectionately known as “Coach Fuller,” passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at his residence. He was born on Dec. 7, 1944, in Deep Water, W.Va., to the late Floyd S. Allen Fuller and Ralph E. Fuller.

He joined First Baptist Church in Oxford, N.C., at an early age.

John received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Livingstone College and his master’s degree in guidance counseling from Virginia State University. He dedicated 23 years in the field of education and athletics. Over the span of his career he worked at S.J. Ellis Elementary School, Buckingham County High School, Prince Edward High School, St. Paul’s College, Longwood College, Barber-Scotia College, Amelia County High School, Smithfield High School, Suffolk High School and Lakeland High School.

John was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Virginia Counselors Association, Western Tidewater Counselors, Virginia High School Coaches and Suffolk Counselors Association.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Fuller.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sons, John Edward Fuller II and Jason Fuller; his special friend (fiancée) Paulette Pruden; sister-in-law, Rebecca Fuller; nephews, Richard Fuller and Reggie Fuller (Jessica); cousins, Otis Chavis and Margaret Chavis; and a host of other family members, students impacted by his legacy and friends.

An Omega Psi Phi wake service will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, and public visitation will take place on Friday between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., both at the funeral home. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A celebration of life service will take place at noon on Saturday at Lakeland High School auditorium, and he will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.

Professional services are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc.