Nicholas Fulbright, Jr.
THREE OAKS - Nicholas Fulbright, Jr., 64, of Three Oaks, passed from this life to the better side, Thursday, October 24, 2024, his home surrounded by loved ones.
His life began April 5, 1960, in Buchanan, Michigan, the second youngest of five children, born to Nicholas Sr. and Sally Fulbright. He married Debbie Ringer in Niles, Michigan.
Nick was a hardworking, tirelessly caring, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Nick and Deb shared a story of enduring true love that began in the first grade. They fell in love in high school. They spent some time apart, lived in different states and married different people, but never stopped thinking of one another. Nick and Deb finally reconnected in 2009. They made a home and rebuilt their life together in a way that inspires those around them to never give up on finding the love of a lifetime. They tied the knot in 2018 officially and have plans to reconnect again on the other side, which we all know they will.
He was a loving father. He was fun, rode the roller coasters, hit the water slides, and made sure his children gained life experience. When his kids became adults, he guided with a steady hand and rarely offered unsolicited advice. He remained their confidante, friend, and biggest cheerleader to his last day.
Nick was a successful businessman during his working years. He and his brother, Keith, established a custom tool and die company in Niles, building it from the ground up. Nick was always grateful to those they employed, valuing grit and hardworking people.
He was a member of both the American Legion and the Masonic Temple.
Nick is survived by many friends, but none closer than Rory Robinson. Nick and Rory's friendship is nearly as old as they are having met when they were five. Rory's wife Cheryl (Deb's sister) gave Nick the nickname "Gator". He earned this name because he was always a prankster and wanted to get the party started, an insta"Gator."
He is also survived by his integrity. Before being self-employed, Nick worked for Aramco and moved his family to Saudi Arabia for several years. That was an exciting time during his life professionally, and personally. He looked back on that time fondly.
Nick held all his siblings in the highest regard. The family are fans of car racing – their dad owned an Indy car that raced in the 1964 Indy 500. Going to the Indy 500 Time Trials is an annual pilgrimage they've enjoyed together for decades and was always a favorite pastime of Nick's. He remained close with his brothers and sisters to his last day, and they were a great comfort to him throughout his life.
Above all else Nick, "Papa," adored his grandchildren and they each adored him greatly. He loved entertaining them and was a very talented T-Rex. He was good at – and enjoyed – talking to them about the things they found important.
Nick had a special connection with his nephew, Nick Fulbright, whom he loved dearly and had the opportunity to spend extra time with in his last few years. Nick was so proud of his nephew who overcame many obstacles in his life to shine like the man his Uncle Nick knew he always was.
Nick will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Debbie Fulbright of Three Oaks; one daughter, Anna Marie Fulbright of Spokane, Washington; one son, Benjamin (Deanna) Fulbright of Berrien Springs; two stepsons Brendan (Stephanie) Harlan of Ruskin, Florida, Trevor (Chelsea) Harlan of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Noah, Adalyn, Mickey, Sloane, Nora; one sister,
Peggy (Tharon) Taylor of Franklin, Kentucky; two brothers, Jerry (Jill) Fulbright of Sturgis, Keith (Mandy) Fulbright of Berrien Springs; one sister-in-law Sandi Fulbright of Northport, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ray Fulbright; and his dearest friend, confidant, and brother-in-law, Wayne Spletzer.
Family and friends will observe a private remembrance.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Nicholas be made to the Randall Couchman American Legion Post #204, 204 West Linden Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128 or the Niles Masonic Temple, 227 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.