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THOMAS FULLER Obituary
JOSEPH M.D.
Thomas Joseph Fuller, M.D., died peacefully at his home on January 26, 2018 surrounded by his family. Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandy Fuller, Ryan Fuller (son), Carrie Fuller (daughter), Jodie and David De Santis (daughter and son-in-law) and their son Dylan, Jill and Phil Schuck (daughter and son-in-law) and their three children, Carson, Kyle, and Cooper.
Tom was born in Osceola, Iowa and raised in Wisconsin by his parents Charles and Anne Fuller. He was one of four children and is survived by his brother Jim Fuller, M.D. (Colorado), brother John Fuller (Wisconsin), and sister Jane Fuller-Hoesterey, ARNP (Ocala). He was proud to be an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University. His medical residency was completed at the University of Florida and his fellowship was at Southwestern and the VA Hospital in Dallas. He served in the Navy for two years as a medical officer. He was boarded in internal medicine, nephrology, critical care, and palliative care. He moved from Gainesville to Ocala in 1979 and opened the first nephrology practice and dialysis center in Ocala. After serving many years at Ocala Critical Care and Kidney group, he worked in cardiac critical care and completed his career as a physician with Hospice of Marion County. With great humility and fierce determination in his advocacy of the underdog and those in great need, Tom dedicated many years to his love of medicine and helping families and patients live a good life with dignity and hope. He lived the Golden Rule, was deeply compassionate, and as a result, many lives were touched.
Tom loved his wife, had a strong faith which he passed along to his children, and treasured family time. Some of his favorite past times included watching his four grandsons grow up, spending time with good friends, giving back and helping others in need, watching Notre Dame football, going to the movies with his wife Sandy, dinners with family and friends, and being a 'Big Brother' to his 'Little Brother' Kris Krumm. His family's ski and beach trips were highlights for him each year.
A Celebration of Life mass will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, Ocala, FL at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following: Hospice of Marion County (P.O. Box 4860 Ocala, FL 34478), Blessed Trinity Catholic Church (5 S.E. 17th Street Ocala, FL 34471), or to the Fuller Nursing Scholarship at College of Central Florida Foundation (3001 SE College Road Ocala, FL 34474). Arrangements under the care of Countryside Funeral Home Anthony, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS FULLER
Jeffrey and Erna Rubin
January 26, 2021
Tom's friendship was a real blessing in our lives. Tom was the ultimate role model for all us, both professionally and ethically. He was a gifted physician, a loving compassionate and caring human being, a wonderful friend. We miss him every day.
Jeanne Thomas
January 24, 2021
Dr. Fuller was always such a compassion Physician. He made many sacrifices when he came to Marion County. He brought real medicine to Marion County. I worked with Dr. Fuller in Munroe's ICU. He rarely could take a day off, because there was no one in the county that could handle the cases he had. Dr. Fuller was called upon to handle the most difficult and critical patients, and he worked diligently to bring them through their illness. Prior to his arrival, many of those patients would actually die. He had a gift, and was always so kind, and deeply dedicated. Such a great loss to our community. I know he's with our Lord. May the Lord be with him always.
Lou Pereira
January 22, 2020
God rest your soul, Dr. Fuller! We will miss you on April 18th when Father Pat leads our 20th-anniversary celebration and burns the mortgage on Trinity Catholic! Many blessings to Sandy and Carrie and all of the Fullers! You are all part of the fabric of our beautiful school.
John Fuller
January 28, 2019
Tom was a dear, dear brother; a compassionate soul and humanitarian; a champion of the underserved, the poor and the affirmed; a tireless practitioner of medicine; a devoted husband, father and uncle; and finally a Catholic whom lived his faith each and everyday. Long shall his memory live on; may he rest in God's eternal peace.
lynn johns
March 8, 2018
Our family always loved all of the Fullers. Each and every one of them were special. Tom made this world a special place and gave love and hope to all of us. May he rest in peace. Fondly, the Johns, Olson, and Slowinski families. XOXOXOX
Thomas Feavel
February 18, 2018
Sandy and Family
Xavier Catholic High School 1962 classmates of Thomas Fuller are pleased to have known Dr. Thomas and are proud to learn of all he has done for so many. Difficult to express in words alone but hope you understand.
With Sympathy
Mark Olsky
February 13, 2018
Rest easy, friend. You made the world a better place with kindness, diligence and great skill.
Jim Lemons
February 13, 2018
I remember Tom from medical school - just the same as described in his obiturary, a beautiful life of giving back. A generous and kind soul. A gift for all of us. Jim Lemons
Rex J Ford
February 9, 2018
Peace to the family of this kind and gentle human being at this most difficult time. Psalm 71:1-6
February 5, 2018
With heavy hearts we went to Toms service Saturday. How could words possibly describe this totally unselfish wonderful human being?
One by one family and colleagues told their stories. The words flowed with tears and love.
As we sat listening intently, a bit of the sorrow was replaced with a sense of gratitud and appreciation. How lucky we all were to have Tom Fuller in our lives.
Jeff and Erna
JD
February 5, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Marleen Wiersum
February 4, 2018
Dear Sandy and family, My prayers and sincere sympathy are with you at this time. I was privilged to have Tom take care of my mother, and then my husband, Fred. He was a caring, kind, and understanding man in each stiuation.
God bless you and wrap you in His loving care.
Rosemary Burnett
January 31, 2018
Our condolences to Dr. Fuller's family. He was an intelligent, compassionate and dedicated healer. He saved our family member's life with his accurate diagnosis; and, with his excellent care, gave her an additional twenty high quality years to enjoy. We are forever grateful.
January 31, 2018
Sandy, Ryan, Carrie, Jodie, and Jill,
I was saddened to hear of the death of your husband/father. He was a great person who cared about those around him. I know he will be sorely missed. Have all of you and your families in my prayers.
January 31, 2018
What an amazing man! I had the privilege of working with Dr. Fuller for many years.My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Anita Smith,RN
January 31, 2018
Loved working with that man, he was a wonderful doctor and great humanitarian. They do not make anymore like him. I have such wonderful memories of working with him. Prayers of comfort and strength to his family and thank you for sharing him with us.
Donna Dombrowski Lloyd
January 31, 2018
So sorry for you loss Sandy and Family.My prayer for peace and comfort during time
Linda Dolhay,RN
January 30, 2018
Dear family, I was very fortunate to have worked with Dr. Fuller at Shands and Ocala Regional Medical Center , over many years. It was a great pleasure to work with him and for him. He was always generous in teaching, and sharing. He was the kind of Doctor that many , me included, measured other doctors to. Such a great man
Gloria and Bob James
January 30, 2018
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
You're in our heart and prayers,
Gloria and Bob James
Jeanne Thomas
January 30, 2018
I worked as a nurse in intensive care with Dr. Fuller for many years. He brought real medicine to Marion County. Before he came, we were just a typical community hospital. I witnessed how he saved so many lives who would not have made it if he wasn't there. He did this with great sacrifice, working 7 days a week, as there was no one to cover his expertise. He will be greatly missed. I have so many wonderful memories when I think of the events of knowing such a humane man. I know he is with the Lord, and so deserving. May God give strength and courage to Sandy and his family.
Tina Banner
January 29, 2018
Deepest sympathies to the entire family. I have know you all for so many years and my heart breaks for your loss. Dr. Fuller was an incredible man who deeply cared for his community. May you all find peace during this difficult time.
Gerri Blanton
January 29, 2018
I met Dr. Fuller as a RN in SICU at MRMC, what a great man and Dr. An inspiration to me, always caring for patients and staff. Willing to explain and teach. God Bless you at this time.
Jennifer Wood
January 29, 2018
Dr. Fuller was an inspiration to many and a blessing to all. His mind was brilliant, a true healer! Sandy, my prayers are with you and your family. My mom, Joan, also sends her love to you. Jennifer Wood
Kathy Jensen
January 29, 2018
I have known Dr. Fuller since I was a child and he took care of my grandmother. As an adult, I was blessed to be able to work with him at MRMC. He was a caring and loving soul and he will be greatly missed.
January 29, 2018
"The community of St. Mary Catholic High School sends it thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Thomas Fuller, a member of the class of 1962. May he rest in peace."
Sue Peters
Alumni Relations & Special Event Coordinator
St. Mary Catholic Schools
peter-linda foy
January 29, 2018
Attempting to say all the good about Tom would be sheer "gilding the lily". Tom will be with us each time we do a kindness to others.
Sandy and family, you are in our prayers.
Vicky Nelson
January 28, 2018
Dr. Fuller was the real deal! Worked with and learned from him since 1979, Munroe Critical Care. Such a compassionate man and doctor. Tears in my eyes & many wonderful memories of him at the foot of a patient's bed, wringing his hands, murmuring he/she is such a nice person....'. Claim your reward, dear soul.
Sandy Vazquez
January 28, 2018
My sympathy to the family and Sandy. I will always remember the wonderful man and Physcian he was. RIP good soul, prayers to all.
Bettie Bailey
January 28, 2018
Dr. Fuller was an inspiration to all who knew him. We will miss his warm smile and big heart. He always had a kind word for everyone in our Tai Chi class. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy and the family.
~ Bettie & Cecil Bailey
Marianne and Bruce Zolna
January 28, 2018
Dear Jodie, David and Dylan: We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Although we did not know your dad, Jodie, we heard nothing but good things about him from Diane P. before and after we were lucky enough to make your and David's acquaintance so many years ago now! Clearly an exceptional family raised you, Jodie, and we share your sadness at the loss of your wonderful father. May God's love and blessings sustain you now! Marianne and Bruce Zolna, Chicago, IL
January 28, 2018
I LOVE YOU SANDY AND TOM; WHAT A JOY TO VISIT YOU with JIM over the years! YOU TWO are truly "2 peas in a pod" HOW I ENJOYED OUR family times together. LOVE YOU SANDY; just as I truly loved funny kind smart selfless TOM. FRANCES FULLER HAWKS :)
Debi Neverman
January 28, 2018
Sandy and family, peace and hugs. Dr Fuller was the example of compassion and humility. Thank you for sharing him with Ocala and all the people he touched. Life well lived and he will be missed
peter foy
January 28, 2018
What can be said. It would only be "gilding the lily". We will miss Tom, but his life will carry on in the good things we do for others.
January 28, 2018
He was one in a million..Helen May
Penny Baird
January 28, 2018
Dr. Fuller was a wonderful and blessed man. He was kind to all he came in contact with. My deepest sympathies are with the family during this time.
Stan and Sherry Zink
January 28, 2018
Dear Sandy and Family: Please accept our sincerest condolences. Tom was a special person who will always be remembered by all who knew him. Please know that all of your are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. In Christ's Peace and Love, Stan and Sherry Zink
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