Arthur Fizer Fulmer Jr

1928 - 2025

Lifelong Memphian, Arthur Fizer Fulmer Jr., 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Germantown on January 5th. He was the last of a stalwart generation of 7 cousins and 2 siblings. He was predeceased by his brother Jeff Fulmer, sister Marie Fulmer Copp and his wife Nancy Fulmer who died in 2009. He is survived by Susan Russell, his loving companion of the last 14 years, his children Arthur Fulmer III (Michelle) and Catherine Muscari (Pat) and 4 grandchildren – Audrey and Marylee Muscari and Phoebe and Hill Fulmer.

Arthur was born in Memphis on April 22, 1928 to Mary Lee (Busby) and Arthur Fulmer, also lifelong Memphians. He travelled by train to attend the Hill School in Pennsylvania and later the University of Virginia. He discovered his sales ability in college selling advertising in the Cavalier Daily college paper which his roommate edited. Prior to graduation, anxious to begin his business career, he returned to Memphis to join his father's automotive seat cover business. Ever the salesman, his favorite activity was visiting customers. He grew and diversified the automotive business to include car audio and motorcycle helmets.

After a long courtship, he married Nancy Hill in 1960; they were fortunate to enjoy 49 years of marriage. He was such a family and businessman that he took his family on business trips by car around the country. They spent a week every summer in New York or Chicago sight-seeing while he attended trade shows. Arthur and Nancy were frequent fliers; she accompanied him on every international business trip to east Asia and Italy for twenty-five years.

Arthur was a widower in 2011 when he was introduced to Susan Russell. After a blind date they were devoted partners for the remaining years of his life. They enjoyed traveling together and spending time in Destin, Florida.

Outside of family and business his passions were horses and tennis. He was an avid rider, showing gaited horses in his early years, fox hunting and polo later and then trail rides with his family every weekend. Arthur bred thoroughbred racehorses on his farm in Germantown and loved going to the track to see them run. He was also a regular on the tennis court. He played with his sister Marie Copp every Sunday morning for many years, then men's doubles. He continued riding and playing tennis into his late 80's. He was an intrepid sportsman enjoying skiing, sailing, scuba diving and was always game for the next adventure.

In his last years, he was grateful for Kathy and Sandra his caregivers and for Angel his right-hand-man on the farm for over 20 years. He died in his cabin, on the same property where his parents died 46 years before, surrounded by the things most important to him – Susan and her dog, his children nearby, his cattle and horses in the pasture.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, January 13, at 2:00 in the chapel at Elmwood cemetery.