Joe Luey Fulbright, 88, of Connelly Springs entered his heavenly home Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte following a car accident.
Luey was born March 17, 1936 in Burke County to the late Kelly Oliver Fulbright and Fennie Knox Fulbright. He was a faithful member of Warlick’s Baptist Church, active in Sunday School, senior adult activities, choir and a deacon. His daily life was a testimony of his Christian faith.
Before his retirement he worked in the hosiery industry as a fixer in Morganton and Baton.
He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years; sang with the Unifour Chorus, a local group that ministered in nursing homes.
Luey loved gospel and bluegrass music; sports, especially baseball; gardening (he raised the best and sweetest watermelons). Mowing his grass, riding his tractor, and sowing fields for dove hunting brought him much joy. Hunting with his brothers and Uncle Jock, running rabbits, gigging for suckers, and jug-fishing at Lake Norman were very special to him.
Luey enjoyed taking his young family yearly to the beach and celebrating birthdays and holidays with his loving family.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Rink Fulbright; sister, Betty Sue Fulbright; and brothers, Jesse, Olen, Jerry, and Daniel Fulbright.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Judy Powell Fulbright; daughters, Kathy Pittman and husband Tim of Connelly Springs, Amy Pritchard and husband John of Connelly Springs, and Mitzi Triplett and husband Derek of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Lauren Pittman Frogge and husband Jake of Belmont, Colby Pittman and wife Shannon of Cary, and Magnolia Triplett of Granite Falls; and great-grandchildren, Baylor Frogge, and Tenley Frogge. Also surviving are his brothers, Herman Fulbright and wife Leta of Morganton, Mike Fulbright and wife Reba of Connelly Springs, Ted Fulbright and wife Doris of Connelly Springs; sisters-in-law, Arcola Fulbright and Gale Fulbright; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Warlicks Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Murry and Rev. Donnie Chapman officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Friday prior to the service.
The family of Luey Fulbright would like to express their gratitude for the immediate response to his accident. We were assured by Trooper Lane and Dr. Meyers (Atrium) that everything humanly possible was done to save his life. May God bless these amazing people as they continue to administer help to our state and community.
Memorials may be made to Handyman Ministry at Warlick’s Baptist Church at 2684 Warlick’s Church Road, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 or to Meals on Wheels, Burke County Senior Center at 501 N. Green St. Morganton, NC 28655.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.
So sad to hear-a very good man. Prayers…
Luey was such a special person and a blessing to so many. Always so supportive and caring He will be missed by so many people thank you Lucy and Judy for all the strength and love ya gave mom and me
Judy, Kathy, Amy, and Mitzi, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Luey was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. Anyone that knew him, loved him. I hope you can all find comfort in knowing you will see him again. Love you all
He was a great man of faith and a prayer warrior. He was a great pillar of the community and the family could not have had a greater man of faith that loved them….a true wise man of the faith. Great influence on my life and faith.
Judy, Kathy, Amy, & Mitzi,
Ron and I are so sorry for your loss. Luey was a fine Christian man and we have many good memories of him, some going back to the early days of the Hastings twins at Warlicks.
We pray that God gives you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
What a blessing to know Luey. Prayers to the family.
Luey was one of my favorite uncles. He had a kind heart and was a Christian man. We loved going to see Him, Judy, Kathy, Amy and Mitzi when we were growing up and eventually became neighbors moving into the home place in 1976. My fondest memories of Luey were listening to him sing in the choir, watching him laugh and tell stories at our reunions and watching him drive his tractor.
It hurt my heart to know he suffered a wreck before departing for heaven. He lived a life helping others and serving as a role model the way others should live life. He made a great impact in our world and on me personally. Thank you, Uncle Luey.
Amy, my heart and love go out to you on your father’s passing! So sad!!! Will be praying for you and John knowing he is singing gospel songs in the heavenly choir! What a blessing to know! Love you both so very much!!❤️❤️
Amy and family, we were so saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Just know we are praying for your peace and comfort.
I am so sorry for your loss! I am remember Luey as a little girl. He was always so kind to me and my family. I know Mother and Daddy loved him dearly. We are praying for the family. Much love to all…..Jennifer Shook Starnes
I was so sorry to hear about Luey.. I understand how you are feeling now. Judy, you and all your family have been nd will continue to be in my prayers. God bless you!
Sweet Judy,Kathy, Amy and Mitzi,it was so heartbreaking to hear about Luey. He was such a faithful Husband, Father and friend to so many. Mike and I thought so much of him and all of you. Our prayers are with you all. 🙏 I loved to hear him sing in the choir and pray.He was the best prayer warrior! He was faithful! Matthew 25vs.23 is what I think of when I think of Luey,And his Master replied,We’ll done my good and faithful servant.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fulbright family. May God give you peace that comes from Him. I am sure he heard the wonderful words, well done, thy good and faithful servant.
Uncle Luey will always be remembered as a wonderful part of our family. His strong Christian values shined a light on family, friends, and community.
We will miss his smile, laughter, and presence at family reunions and around my parent’s farm. I have fond memories of Uncle Luey scrapping the gravel road on his tractor, running his rabbit dogs around the woods, telling stories and singing in church and reunions, dove hunting in the field, looking across his garden as he walked around his watermelon patch , and watching him in conversation with our dad Ted and all the Fulbright brothers.
Sending hugs and prayers to Judy, Kathy, Amy, Mitzi, and the entire family. ❤️
Dwight and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend Luey. He has been a great Christian example in ours and many others lives. Judy and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. This is a great loss for your family and our entire community.
With love and prayers,
Brenda and Dwight Lail🥰🙏
Judy, Even though we only recently became a part of the Warlick’s family it was very obvious what Luey meant to everyone there. The memory of his friendly smile and loving heart will stay with us forever . Juanita and I will treasure the time we spent getting to know this great man.
Kathy and family- I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I’ll be praying for you all.
Judy, Kathy, Amy, and Mitzi~
I am so saddened by the news of Luey. I have many fond memories of him and your entire family…some of my most precious childhood memories! All of you were my “second” family for many years, and you will always have a special place in my heart. He was such one of the kindest people I have ever known.
Amy, I am so sorry. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Love all of you!
~Leslie
If ever there was a nicer person to meet it was Luey big smile great handshake and you knew he was your friend with a loving godly heart. May the family find his passing with blessings and peace from his memories and Jesus Christ