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Clay Fulcher Obituary
Clay W. G. Fulcher passed away on October 19, 2011, at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. He was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, March 28, 1933, to Henry C. and Elma Gunn Fulcher and graduated from W. F. High where he played guard on the 1949 state champion football team. He entered the University of Texas in 1950 and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, Silver Spurs and NROTC, graduating with a BSME degree and a commission as ensign, USN in January, 1955. Active duty was in WestPac as engineering officer aboard the USS Formoe (DE) and the USS George A. Johnson (DE). Returning to UT, he earned his MSME degree in 1959 and affiliated with the Naval Reserve, serving as XO/CO of units in Naval Research and Naval Air Systems Command, retiring in 1989 with the rank of Rear Admiral.
He was employed by General Electric in l959 with assignments in Flight Propulsion, Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion, and Missile and Space. He completed GE advanced engineering courses before moving to GE Space Division in Houston in 1962. He earned a PhD in mechanical engineering at the U of H; his thesis on control of a liquid cooling garment for extravehicular astronauts contributed to the design of life support systems first employed by astronauts who walked on the moon, and continue to be used by astronauts today. Upon completing his PhD program, Dr. Fulcher became V.P. of GE subsidiary MATSCO. Retiring from GE in 1980, he spent several years as Mgr. Engineering Services at the Analysts/Schlumberger, then returned to the Space Program with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing as a manager in space shuttle ops. Upon retirement from Boeing in 1998, he formed Engineering Support Services Corp. and served as liaison between Goddard and Houston Space Centers in the repair missions for the Hubble Telescope, also participating in astronaut training for those missions.
He held offices in military, professional and civic organizations, including Navy League, Naval Order, UT Midshipmen's Foundation, NROTC Alumni Assn., UT Chancellor's Executive Committee, Rotary and Interfaith Caring Ministries. He was a Paul Harris fellow, a professional engineer, and a five year member of the Clear Creek ISD school board. He was recognized as a distinguished graduate of the UT College of Engineering, distinguished alum of the Midshipmen Foundation and NROTC Alumni Assn. and he received the NASA Space Flight Awareness Award and the Astronauts Silver Snoopy Award. The Houston chapter of the Naval Order honored him with the Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz Leadership Award.
As an East Texas timber grower he was recognized for forest stewardship by the Texas Forest Service. A resident of Nassau Bay for 32 years, he served on the incorporation committee for that city, was a private pilot (instrument rated), certified SCUBA diver, and Sunday school teacher, elder and trustee at Taylor Lake Christian Church. He and Ann moved to Belton, TX in 2005. He was devoted to the men's Bible Study group at Temple Bible Church and periodically commuted to Johnson Spaceflight Center up until the time of his passing. Clay was truly an officer and a gentleman, always ready with a word of encouragement for others, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Arledge, four sons and spouses; Clay, Jr./Christina, Huntsville, AL, Sam/Janie, Temple, TX, Roy/Becky, Monument, CO, and Joe/Kayse, Houston, TX, 11 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Predeceased by brother Henry, he is also survived by brother Joe/Jane, sister in law Ria June Fulcher, nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts.
Visitation will be in Crockett, Texas at Callaway Allee Funeral Home at 5 o'clock on Thursday, October 20. Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park in Crockett at 2 o'clock on Friday, October 21. A memorial service will be offered at Taylor Lake Christian Church, 1730 Old Kirby Road, Seabrook, Texas at 2 o'clock on Saturday, October 22. In lieu of flowers, donations to Salvation Army, Navy SEAL Foundation, or charity of choice are gratefully accepted. Condolences for Mr. Fulcher may be left at online obituaries
www.callawayallee.com.
Callaway-Allee
Funeral Home
700 East Houston Avenue
Crockett, TX 75835
(936)544-2244
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clay Fulcher
Russ Werneth
October 20, 2022
Clay was a true Southern Gentleman, a great Navy officer patriot, a proud Longhorn, a great NASA "Hubble Hugger", an inspiration to many - and most of all, a very special friend. He is remembered and thought of often for his many accomplishments and his friendship.
Godspeed, Clay.
-Russ Werneth
Emma Kate Fulcher
October 8, 2020
I never knew him, but from forming an idea of him from bits of other people's memories, I'm proud to say, " This is my great- grandfather. He's done all these things and helped all these people, and I couldn't be more proud."
Sharon Auers (Sands)
October 16, 2019
I always looked forward to the days when Clay and the Hubble team would come to the NBL. He was so loved here! He was so very nice to EVERYONE, and always, always happy. I still think of him.
Mark Jarosz
October 31, 2011
To Ann and the Fulcher family,
Clay was an inspiring and humble man. I am honored to have spent many years working with him on the Hubble project at the NBL. His support was nothing short of exceptional and he gave of himself always. He was truly an "Officer and a Gentleman" and will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. I will always remember Clay, not for what he did, but for the person he was! Blessings to you and your family. Godspeed Clay!
Kay Fulcher Carter
October 28, 2011
Dear Ann and family, I was so sorry to hear of Clay's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Sincerely, Kay
Bill Docekal
October 26, 2011
Ann, I enjoyed working with Clay on the UT NROTC Alumni Board, and Barbara and I enjoyed visiting with you and Clay at several of the N&MC Birthday Balls and reunions.
October 25, 2011
Ann,
We were honored to attend Clay's memorial service on Saturday. Those awesome tributes - and the salute from Clay's best friend, Apollo astronaut Alan Bean - were so fitting. Clay's impact on us at Goddard Space Flight Center as a Hubble co-worker and, more importantly, as a very special friend will never be forgotten. God bless you and your wonderful family. And Godspeed, Clay.
Sincerely,
Russ & Linda & Colleen
Louise and Laresa Evans
October 23, 2011
Ann and all -
We will miss Clay much in our Taylor Lake Christian Church Family.
You both have have been a possitive influence for me growing up in our church.
I will never forget the beautiful writing to Coleman on what it is like to be a man. It was very memorable!
May your family always keep him safe in your hearts.
October 22, 2011
Dear Ann and Family,
We are so saddened at the loss of Clay. He was the nicest and most impressive person we've ever met. We will miss Clay knowing that he is not still with us. We thank God for Clay, you, and your family. Thank you for his and your friendship over the last 47 years. In Jesus Name.
Paige and Stuart Sayers
Nassau Bay, Texas
Dave Austgen Jr
October 22, 2011
Dear Fulchers,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. I knew him as Mr. Fulcher. He was kind, friendly, and always had a positive comment to share. A great role model! I know he will be missed.
Russ and Linda Werneth
October 21, 2011
We are so saddened by the loss of the best co-worker - and friend - that anyone could ever have. Clay was a true officer and a gentleman. Working on the Hubble Space Telescope allowed our paths to cross. He touched our lives and will never be forgotten. We thank Ann for sharing him with us. Godspeed, Clay, and may God continue to bless your wonderful family.
October 21, 2011
Dr. Clay Fulcher, RDM ret., was instrumental in my life in so many ways. I was not a secretary, I was a trusted colleague and friend over a 20 year period from McDonnell Douglas to Boeing. When I first worked for "Dr. Fulcher", my children bought me a military time clock because that was how he called time. He nurtured me, cheered me on, expanded my abilities, and never thought I could fail at anything he asked me to do. It took me almost one and a half decades to call him by his Christian name, but when I did, it always felt right. Clay, your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and I will never, ever, forget the good things you brought to my life. I will never forget moving your boxes and phone to be near me each time I moved, or that the diving flippers had to be available at a moment's notice. I honor you for your committments to the Navy, to aerospace, and to RNASA. Dana Gober
Dana Gober
October 21, 2011
Dear Clay, I am so relieved that you are no longer in pain and that you no longer wonder what new treatment may help. You were the best manager and mentor I ever had over the course of 20 years, and I am honored that you gave of your time to encourage and cheer me on.I love you and I will miss you forever.
Caren Brunell
October 21, 2011
Clay was the kindest man I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Clay always behaved like a true gentleman and never had a mean word to say. Clay my friend, you will be sadly missed. I hope to see you in Heaven!
Rusty Allman
October 21, 2011
Clay was a great example to us all. Missed but never forgotten.
October 21, 2011
Ann and all the family,
Our hears are broken and we feel such sadness now but we are very blessed to have been part your lives so long ago when we were all raising our families together in Pa. and then in Nassau Bay. How we loved Clay and what wonderful memories we share with all of you. He was one of the very best.
God bless you all.
JoAn and Bob Borland
Sheila Self
October 21, 2011
Ann and family,
We are so sorry for such a terrible loss. Clay meant so much to everyone who met him. Clay was a treasure and will be deeply missed.
With Deepest Sympathy to the family, Sheila Self and Don Lewis
Frank Parker
October 20, 2011
Clay and I worked together at GE, and we both had served our country as Naval Officers. After we finished our active duty and joined our country's space program effort, we drove together to Navy Reserve meetings in Houston from our homes in Nassau Bay. Clay was a fine Officer and truly a gentleman. He was also a fine engineer and manager, and I am proud to have had the privilege to work with him on project Apollo during our time at GE. God Bless you, Clay, and I'm looking forward to meeting you again when I, too, have crossed the bar.
Harold Doiron
October 20, 2011
My condolences to the entire Fulcher family. We have lost one of the finest men I have ever known. I first met Clay in graduate school in the 1960's and did a lot of studying with him. We continued our friendship during our oilfield careers in the 1980's. With Clay's help, I was fortunate to recruit Clay Jr. to work for me at Reed Tool Co. where he met his wife, Christina. Later, when I decided to return to the aerospace industry, I only made one phone call (to Clay) and worked for him at McDonnell Douglas until my Boeing retirement in 1997. Our prayers are with Ann and the wonderful family she and Clay created.
Robert Erickson
October 20, 2011
We will all miss our dear friend and colleague. I for one will miss the kindness and the warm hand shakes of a great man. May you rest in peace. God bless and sleep well.
Tom Moser
October 20, 2011
Clay was one of the finest gentlmen that I have known, a great contributor to human space flight, a persond dedicated to his family and the community, and a good friend. He will be greatly missed. My God blees him and his family.
October 20, 2011
Clay, and his brothers Henry and Joe, are my brothers in Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. I first met Clay when he came to UT as a freshman. You could see even then he would be outstanding.
In our fraternity we declare to our initiates "As you honor yourself, you honor her" meaning our fraternity. We give thanks to Clay for the honor he has earned in a life of service, and to the honor he has given "her".
On behalf of all his brothers, We send our love and sympathy to Ann and all of Clay's family.
Tom James , Past National President, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity
Bruce Adams
October 20, 2011
I just met Clay 3 months ago while he was cataloging the HST hardware at the LMF . We talked as if I had known him all my life.I had no idea of his Illness. After hearing of his passing I was somewhat taken back.
After reading and learning of his lifes acomplishmenets I was even more astonished.I wish I could have known him longer, but we have to remember that GOD is in charge. Via con dious my Captain.
Scott Everard
October 20, 2011
I went to Peacock Military Academy with his son. I remember Dr. Fulcher as a brilliant and kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Larry Dell
October 20, 2011
It was such a privilege to work with Clay on Hubble servicing missions. He was one of the few people to never leave anyone with negative feelings. So humble with all his accomplishments - and so supportive and loving of his family. I miss him. My deepest condolences to Ann and the whole Fulcher family.
Linda Dreisbach
October 20, 2011
My prayers are with you all at this sorrowful time of loss. Clay will always hold a special place in the hearts of so many..I knew him mostly through a working relationship at JSC. The first thing I noticed was his smile and his obvious zest for life! His desire to always make the task easy on others and the warm appreciation he always showed was simply amazing. His reverence for the military is now apparent to me; like so many others he did not boast of himself, but made others feel important.. I will miss him, his smile, his exuberance for life. You have been blessed to have him in your lives... thank you for sharing him with all of us...
Mike Caudill
October 20, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Theresa Hamilton
October 20, 2011
Clay was an amazing person who I admired because he had accomplished so much in a life time. He will truly be missed by all who he came in contact with at the NBL. God bless you Clay and we will keep your family in our prayers.
Norma Phipps
October 20, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Robert Lee
October 20, 2011
Condolences to the entire family. All of us that worked with him on the HST repair missions will never forget him. His life time accoplishments are beyond compare. It was an honor to have known him and to have been able to call him "A Friend". "God Bless you Clay.....I'll see you when I get there"
Your Friend Robert
Rudy Lopez
October 20, 2011
Clay was a great friend and he will be missed by all his NBL friends.
mike weiss
October 20, 2011
Clay had a heart of gold, and made a positive impact on everything he touched and everyone he interfaced with. He was kind, friendly, helpful and above all, a gentleman. There was not a problem he could not solve, even under the most trying of circumstances.
Bruce Kamen
October 20, 2011
Clay was one of, if not the, nicest and kindest people I have ever worked with. It was indeed truly an honor to have known him. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Mark Hubbard
October 20, 2011
Clay was an incredible person - I was amazed by his energy and all of his accomplishments. In spite of his accomplishments, he was a humble man with a kind heart. I enjoyed working with Clay at the NBL for the Hubble Servicing Missions. He will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to his wife, Ann, and his family.
Stacy Madison
October 20, 2011
What a wonderful man. It was an honor to know and work with you. My heart goes out to your family at this time,
Robert Knight
October 20, 2011
I was honored to have met and worked with Clay during the STS-125 Hubble mission. One of the kindest people I have had the privilege to meet and I enjoyed our conversations before each test. My deepest condolences to the Fulcher family. Clay, you will be missed.
David Schumacher
October 20, 2011
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
steve schneider
October 20, 2011
Clay exemplified character and integrity and taught us the true value and meaning of humility. He lived his faith and touched the hearts and lives of many people. He will be sorely missed...
David Howard
October 20, 2011
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
Bob Ginn
October 20, 2011
Clay was one of those rare people who enriched the lives of all that came in contact with him. I shall miss him.
Kevin Mathews
October 20, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Christy Hansen
October 20, 2011
To the family of Clay Fulcher,
Simple words cannot begin to capture how amazing Clay Fulcher was.I met Clay during my JSC EVA years, and worked with him during the HST missions. What I remember most is that he was always smiling, always willing to help with everything and anything. He had the kindest of hearts. I remember him always saying, "Christy, can I help you with anything?" "Christy, you are doing an amazing job." I didn't even know at the time that he had been an Admiral in the Navy; I didn't have a full appreciation of his past. I will sincerely miss him. I remember my last conversation with him; he delivered a photo book for me to a JSC counterpart; he called me to verify it had been delivered; I was so "busy," that I answered quickly with a simple text, "thanks Clay." I still wish I would have answered that call.
Christy Hansen
October 20, 2011
To the family of Clay Fulcher,
Simple words cannot begin to capture how amazing Clay Fulcher was.I met Clay during my JSC EVA years, and worked with him during the HST missions. What I remember most is that he was always smiling, always willing to help with everything and anything. He had the kindest of hearts. I remember him always saying, "Christy, can I help you with anything?" "Christy, you are doing an amazing job." I didn't even know at the time that he had been an Admiral in the Navy; I didn't have a full appreciation of his past. I will sincerely miss him. I remember my last cpnversation with him; he delivered a photo book for my to a JSC counterpart; he called me to verify it had been delivered; I was so "busy," that I answered quickly with a simple text, "thanks Clay." I still wish I would have answered that call.
Debbie & Jim Cusick
October 20, 2011
Clay was such a gentleman and would do anything for anybody. He supported us when we needed him and always with a smile. He brought sunshine to our hearts just by being in the room. He always asked about our family and to let him know if we needed help. Now he is in a place where he can rest (and watch over my family for me). We will miss you Clay. Our prayers are with Ann and the family. Ann, please remember all the good times you all have had and it will get you through this very rough time. Let us know if we can do anything. Love you all.
Joe & Juanita Pyle
October 20, 2011
Our most sincere condolences to the entire family. I was honored to work with Dr. Fulcher on the STSOC effort at JSC in 1985. Clay, Jr. is a colleague of mine as well in the SRT.
Gene Hackemack
October 20, 2011
Clay, you were one of a kind. I enjoyed getting to know you at NASA and working with you. My deepest condolences I send to your family.
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