William Fredrick Fuller

1943 - 2025

William Fredrick Fuller
Big Rapids, Michigan
05/13/1943 - 08/23/2025
William Frederick Fuller, 82, of Big Rapids, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids.
He was born May 13, 1943, in Big Rapids, the son of Ray and Margaret (Ryan) Fuller. Bill graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1961, attended Barber College, and later earned his bachelor's degree in Boiler Engineering. After his career as a Barber, Bill was proud to be employed by Ferris State University as a boiler operator for 33 years, where he was known to still give the occasional haircut to co-workers. Unable to sit still after his retirement, he drove a bus on a part-time basis.
As a beloved Father and Grandfather, Bill raised his family on their farm in Grant Center, a community which he was very proud to be a part of. He enjoyed participating in the Township Hall Square Dances, Potluck dinners, and most of all the Deer Hunters Supper every November 14th. He often said, "In order to have good neighbors, you need to be a good neighbor". He was quick to tell people that Bill was lucky to raise his family in such a safe neighborhood surrounded by good people. His love of agriculture drew him to join the Osceola County Sheriff's Posse, where he was a dedicated member for 63 years and was the longest-standing member of the organization.
Known for his strong sense of justice, he would stand up for what he believed was right. Bill believed that helping others was an important part of being a Christian. Sometimes, that help came in the version of the stories he would tell. If you knew Bill, you knew that he loved to tell stories. His memory of events from the past was second to none, and he was never short of words. Oftentimes, those stories involved recalling jokes played on friends and coworkers.
Bill is survived by his children, Mark Fuller (Michelle Hyde) of Big Rapids, JoAnn (Ray) Smith of Shelbyville, TN, Tammy Mercer (John Sonntag) of Rodney; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Holly) Smith, Cory (Alex) Smith, Chase (Meredith) Smith, Andrea (Sai) Sanil, Shawn (Samantha) Hanford, Remington Fuller, and Wyatt (Megan) Fuller; and four great-grandchildren, Delaney and Brant Smith, Riley Hanford, and Nora Jane Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Dolores Ragnone of Swartz Creek; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dan Fuller; and his sister, Maryann Anderson.
We would like to leave you with some Final Words of wisdom from Bill: "There only needs to be two rules in life, one is don't lie and the other is don't do anything you have to lie about."
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with Father Dan DePew as celebrant. Bill's family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, at the Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m., and visit again on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to the Osceola County Sheriff's Posse, 16519 140th Ave., Leroy, MI 49655.