Dr. Richard Morrison Fulks
July 03, 1946 - February 21, 2023
Charleston, WV
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Dr. Richard Morrison Fulks
July 03, 1946 - February 21, 2023
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Richard Morrison “Dick” Fulks, M.D., 76, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023, following a long illness.
He was born on July 3, 1946, in Athens, OH, to the late Charles H. Fulks and Anna Margaret Morrison Fulks. Also preceding Richard in death was his brother, Dr. Charles L. Fulks. He is survived by his wife, Annabelle B. Fulks; son, Michael B. Fulks; daughter, Susan (Gordon) H. Fulks; brother, Dr. Alan K. (Lynn) Fulks; sister, Margaret (Bill) A. Vandersalm, and nieces and nephews.
Richard was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus at age 5. Despite the complications of managing a chronic condition, he was always determined to live life to the fullest. He played basketball for Athens High School, where he became senior class president and valedictorian. While at Ohio University, Dick was a trainer for the football team, again senior class president and graduated at the top of his class. In 1968, Dick left Athens to attend Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. While in Boston, he also met his lovely wife, Annabelle, at a Valentine’s Day party. Dick spent years in research at NIH, where he co-authored articles in a prestigious journal. He then completed residency in pathology at UNC-Chapel Hill. In 1986, the family of four moved to Charleston, WV where Dr. Fulks jointed the lab at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He founded Kanawha Pathology Associates in 1993 and led the corporation until retiring in 2020.
Dick was known as a lifelong ‘fighter against diabetes.’ Driven and ‘always striving for perfection,’ he remained humble and kind. ‘Always full of energy,’ he was known for his ‘booming, infectious’ laugh, unwavering work ethic, respectfulness, and strength of will to remain healthy. He was a dedicated husband and caring father.
A nature-lover, he enjoyed backpacking, biking, cross-country skiing, golf, family events, and reading. He attended annual pathologists’ conferences across the country and visited Hilton Head Island, SC, for family vacations.
Interment of ashes will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Charleston, WV, with Pastor Tim Bias officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.org/donate (‘Memorial Donation’).
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com .
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, WV, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: April 1, 2023 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Venue: Christ Church United Methodist
- Location: 1221 Quarrier Street Charleston, WV 25301 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (304) 342-0192
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Website: https://www.jdrf.org/donate/
4 responses to Dr. Richard Morrison Fulks
Dr. Larry M. Starr says:
October 7, 2023
Even though Dick left us in March, I just read about his passing in the OHIO Today magazine. Dick and my friendship goes back to our days at Ohio University, 1964-68 as athletic training students for the Athletic department. I was always so impressed with Richard’s intelligent and his search for knowledge. This passion was coupled with his kind and friendly personality and so, so easy to get along with through our years at OHIO. I also got to know his family very well. His father was our x-ray technician, who I worked with in my 7 years (I was the assistant AT for 4 years after graduation). Also, when I met my future wife of 53 years, Linda, she lived in Columbus. But a number of week-ends coming to Athens, the Fulks let her stay with them while we visited. So I got to know Margaret, Chuck, and Margie also. I thought about Dick and knew they he became a very successful physician and researcher but regret not keeping in more contact. In his memory, I will donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Prayers and thoughts to his family. Honored to have called him as associate and a friend. God Bless, Dr. Larry Starr, OU 1968,’71.
Jim Williams says:
March 29, 2023
Dick was one of my very best friends growing up in Athens. Chuck and I were in the same class and Dick a year behind us. As we only lived a block away from each other we played so much ball together. It almost seemed that I spent more time at the Fulks home than I did at my parents. God Bless all of you!!!
Robert Mingus says:
March 28, 2023
My condolences to the family of Dick Fulks. I have memories of Dick as the student body president (Athens High School), and of course, as the older brother of my close friend and summer work partner, Alan Fulks. My prayers are with his family and his surviving brother and sister.
Dick as a gentle, polite, and caring person. I knew him best in his youth. He was a gentle soul.
Robert Mingus
Rose Ann Coffman Bash says:
March 24, 2023
I send my sincere condolences to the family on the passing of Dick Fulks. I knew him from Athens High School, one year ahead of me. He was always a very polite, and fun person. So very sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a fabulous Angel.