Captain Grant Dale Fulkerson

Captain Grant D Fulkerson, USN (Ret.) 78, died 23 January 2021 of Parkinson's complications with his beloved wife by his side.

The son of Hazel (Dickens) and Donald Fulkerson, Grant was raised in Bardstown, KY. In 1960, Grant received a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA); he always attributed his success in life to a teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughn, who initiated the appointment process without his knowledge.

While a student at USNA, in 1962, Grant met his future wife, Ann Gillen. Ann claims she and a friend were walking around the grounds in Annapolis due to their interest in historical sites. Since their marriage in 1966, they have both enjoyed relating the story of Grant's ingenious way of initiating conversation with the toss of a football in Ann's direction. After a few dates, Ann returned to Bethlehem, PA, her classes in Baltimore ended, and so did the relationship. Several years later, Grant wrote to Ann from a ship in the South China Sea. After exchanging an ever-increasing number of letters, they met in person in March of 1966, and after a few days became engaged due to Grant's persistence. Grant returned to the West Coast and the letter writing resumed until their marriage a few months later in August,1966.

Captain Fulkerson completed a highly successful 30-year career as a Surface Warfare Officer. He felt it was a privilege to serve his country. He did regret missing the births of both sons. He met Michael when he was a week old, but did not meet David until he was 13 months old due to the Vietnam War, where he served as an advisor on a Vietnamese patrol boat (LSSL 29). Grant especially enjoyed his tours aboard destroyers and cruisers, where he had the opportunity to get to know, encourage, and mentor his subordinates. He found this to be especially true while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Barney (DDG-6) and USS BIDDLE (CG-34), both in Norfolk, VA. His superiors knew they could always count on Grant to give them straight answers. Despite a successful military career, Grant remained humble. After his Navy retirement he worked at Computer Sciences Corporation as a program manager for government contracts.

A man of great integrity, Grant was devoted to his faith, family, and friends. He had many interests, hobbies, and diverse volunteer roles. He loved nature; he claimed to enjoy golf mainly because it gave him the opportunity to be out in nature with friends. He loved walking his dog, Whipper Snapper, through the woods and streets in his neighborhood, often stopping to talk with others along the way. Other interests were birdwatching, military history, college sports - basketball being his favorite - travel, stamp collecting, poker, sudoku, and lighthouses. Always quick to volunteer Grant served at numerous places - such as, St Mary of Sorrows Church, Naval Academy class of '64, and Twin Lakes Golf Course. Thanks to the generosity of their sons Grant and Ann traveled to Ireland, France, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Bermuda with the whole family. Michael treated Grant to a Pebble Beach Father/Son golf tournament. He treasured those memories among so many others -including, visiting David (excellent tour guide) in Japan and NYC where he was treated to a Big East Championship game. Ranking right up there were the happy times spent with John and Scott, especially during "Grandmother and Granddaddy Camp".

Despite having received numerous awards and medals during his successful career Grant's greatest source of pride and joy was his family; his wife, sons and their wives and his two grandsons. He was a kind and generous man who truly valued friendships. Friends could always count on a big smile and enthusiastic greeting from him. That didn't change when they visited him at Renaissance of Annandale where he spent the last 21 months of his life because of increased Parkinson's issues. Grant had a quiet acceptance of his failing health; never once complaining, but occasionally saying that he wished that he could still golf. His face lit up when he saw friends and family coming to visit. He had frequent visitors until the pandemic hit and the Health Department imposed restrictions for visitors. Limited family visits with plexiglass separation had a serious effect on Grant's quality of life despite loving care from the Renaissance staff and Goodwin Hospice nurses.

Grant is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann, sons Michael (Joy) and David (Dasha); two grandsons, John and Scott: brother Robert and sister Alberta Crowe, numerous nieces and nephews. Because of the pandemic a private funeral Mass with only his immediate family attending was offered at St Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in March, 2021. His inurnment with full military honors took place on October 31, 2022 at Arlington National Cemetery with an impressive turnout of family and friends. Contributions in Grant's memory may be made to Parkinson's Foundation or Goodwin Hospice https://goodwinliving.org/giving/donation-form-hospice/