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BORN
1948
DIED
2025
Samuel Fuller Obituary
February 26, 1948 - June 10, 2025
Samuel Prioleau Fuller, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on June 10th at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. Sam was born to Thomas & Deas Smith Fuller on February 26th, 1948, the youngest brother to Thomas and Carleton. He graduated from the Westminster Schools in Atlanta, where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann McKenzie. He then attended the University of Georgia on a tennis scholarship before receiving his MD degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1973. After his residency in Winston-Salem, he practiced plastic surgery in Bristol Tennessee/Virginia, and Lynchburg, Virginia, ultimately retiring in 2010 and moving to Richmond.
Sam, or "Papa" as we started calling him when his grandchildren arrived, lived a life of purpose, curiosity, and generosity. A gifted athlete, he remained incredibly active well into retirement, adopting new hobbies as his abilities changed. In his professional life, Sam brought great skill and compassion to his work as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, finding his greatest fulfillment through his volunteer efforts with Operation Smile. Traveling the world on 29 missions to repair cleft lips and palates for children in need, he transformed not only faces but futures, returning to lead medical missions and mentor younger physicians.
Sam never met a stranger, and seemed to have infinite space in his heart for welcoming others. Whether that was being a father figure, a coach, a mentor, or a friend. He had a true gift for making people feel seen, supported, and loved. Above all, "Papa" cherished his family, and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Ann McKenzie, his daughter Blythe Lang (Mike), son Jonathan (Jen), "adopted" son Carlo Brown, grandchildren Magnolia Lang, Heather Lang, Sam Lang, Nora Fuller, Gus Fuller, Aina Fuller, and his brother Tommy (Karen), as well as a host of well-loved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Westminster Canterbury Richmond on Monday, July 14th at 11:00 a.m., with a reception and story-telling to follow. Contact family members if you prefer a link to the live-stream of the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations: Operation Smile, St. James's Episcopal Church of Richmond, or Westminster Canterbury Richmond Foundation - WEAVE program benefiting employees.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Fuller
Jeffrey Collins
July 14, 2025
What a great person and friend. Truly a joy to be with. Carol and I will miss Sam.
Barbara Stitt
June 29, 2025
Carol Ann and family: so very sorry to learn of Sam´s passing. I have thought of all over the years
And working with him in Bristol and a few short
Weeks in Lynchburg. He was a genuine caring
And compassionate person. You are all in my
Thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Lucy
June 27, 2025
Rest in peace. Remember the Lynchburg General days as we both served our patients. And by the way tell Dr John Gilkey I miss him. Debbie
Frances Caldwell
June 24, 2025
Sam was a gracious soul who always had a lovely smile. Rest in peace, Sam.
Frances Caldwell
Dave Johnson
June 21, 2025
While I only befriended Sam about five years ago through St. James's Church, he was a wonderful friend, counselor and confidant. I only regret I waited so long to embrace him. He was an exceptional human being - selfless, compassionate and, while so accomplished, graced with humility. Sam was a true Christian. I am blessed to have known Sam. May God bless his beloved family and cherish his memory as a remarkable man. All who knew Sam will miss him.
Rob Austin
June 21, 2025
What a good and selfless man. Sam was of immense help to me during a difficult time. He listened without judgment and guided gently. Devout but not preachy, humorous and self-effacing. We need so many more Sam Fullers in this world.
Judy Philpott
June 20, 2025
Sam was one of the kindest, upbeat and faithful-filled person I have ever met. I feel so blessed to have been able to serve with him and Carol Ann in the Stephen Ministry. My prayers and love go out to the family. Heaven is a little brighter with Sam on the other side.
Matt Harper
June 20, 2025
Sam was a wonderful man and good friend - kind, gentle, friendly, patient and very giving to so many people in Richmond and around the world with Operation Smile. He was truly very special. God bless him and all that he did with his life.
May he rest in peace.
Special prayers for Carol Ann and all others in his family.
Bob Siegfried
June 19, 2025
The first time that I meet Sam he told me about his work with Operation Smile. He mentioned that he taught a team of doctors in South Africa how to do the operations, often in remote locations without modern equipment. Years later, he went on a mission with that same team of South African doctors. They were now teaching other teams how to run Operation Smile programs. And they were doing 2 to 3 times more operations than other teams. I think Sam was very proud that his training had such a cascade effect resulting in hundreds of children (thousands?) getting much needed operations.
Alice Tousignant
June 19, 2025
Sam was a member of the Becoming Beloved Community ministry at St. James's where I met him. I only knew him for a short time but was touched by his sincerity, understanding and willingness to help in any way. My sympathy to the Carol Ann and his family on the loss of a very wonderful person. i wish i had a chance to get to know him better.
Cora Sue Spruill
June 19, 2025
Sam will certainly be missed at Westminster Canterbury and at his church. He was a wonderful man, and he will be missed. My prayers go to his family.
Becky Lobb
June 19, 2025
Dr. Fuller was one of the kindest, gentlest physicians I ever had the privilege to work with in the OR. His compassion for patients, friends and family will truly be missed. My sincere condolences to Carol Ann and the rest of the family.
Sherry M Pearce
June 18, 2025
Prayers to all Sam's family! He was a great friend...will be missed by many.
Shelbie Filson
June 18, 2025
Sam was such a lovely person who was always kind and smiling. Sending all my love to Carol Ann, the rest of his family and Sam's many friends.
Melissa Coates
June 17, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Fuller's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Plastic Surgery Associates of Lynchburg for over 10 years. He was an amazing boss! But more so an amazing man. He was always so kind to all of us and definitely his patients. He made us all laugh and always had a smile on his face everyday. If something bothered him, you would never know it. He was one of a kind! He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers for the family in this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Cindy Hermanson
June 17, 2025
Dr. Fuller was truly a wonderful person. My mother and I both saw him for many things. He was always so kind. By far he was one of my favorite doctors. He will be missed.
Lara Mason
June 16, 2025
Dr Fuller removed a mole from my arm when I was 9. My Dad (Aubrey Mason) took me to him since they knew each other and he trusted him not to leave me with a scar. I never had a scar and Dad joked 4 days before he died he still hadn´t received a bill from him. I´m sorry for your loss.
Stacy J.
June 16, 2025
So sorry to hear that Dr. Fuller passed. He was an amazing surgeon and used his gifting/talents to serve many others. In 2006, Dr. Fuller generously provided for our Haitian foster son to have cleft lip and palette surgery and the needed later revisions. We will always be grateful for Dr. Fuller and his genuine care and concern for others.
Judy Burks
June 16, 2025
So sorry to hear of Dr Fuller´s passing. We lived in the same neighborhood Woodslanding, in Lynchburg for years and enjoyed neighborhood get togethers they hosted at their home. Thoughts and prayers are with Carol Ann and the family at this very difficult time. May God give you peace and comfort in the loss of Sam.
Pamela Ballard
June 16, 2025
I was so sad to hear of Sam´s passing. He was a wonderful human being and always so nice and friendly ! Sending love to all the family Pam Ballard
Carolyn Bennett
June 16, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Sam during his 6-month rotation to the Guwahati Cleft Center. I loved his gentle, fun, and caring spirit. He was a wonderful human being!
Zack Rice
June 16, 2025
I am deeply saddened to learn of Sam´s passing. Sam and I became very close friends, having spent 4 years together on the UGA tennis team. His friendship meant a lot to me. My sincere condolences to His family. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be greatly missed.
Sue J Fanning
June 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Fuller´s passing. I worked with him at LGH back in the 80´s. Such a wonderful person. My condolences to the family.
Andrew Vernon
June 15, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I admired Sam´s and your work with Project Smile, and donated to them.
Andy Vernon
Kristy Bryant
June 15, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was in a bicycle accident as a child. It cut my face very close to my eye and nobody was sure how it was going to turn out. Dr Fuller stayed after hours, stitched my face up and was so kind. Years later as a teen I saw him at the hospital and I had the opportunity to show him his work. He was proud that it the very best for me. God bless you during this time.
David Branch
June 15, 2025
Sam was my friend and teammate from Fourth through Twelfth Grade at Westminster. A natural athlete, he excelled at tennis, football, basketball and just about any other sport he decided to pick up.
One of the kindest people I´ve ever known, as a doctor he transformed countless lives. He will be missed.
Ginny and I send our love to Carol Ann and the Family. David Branch
Dick Niles
June 15, 2025
Carol Ann, I just heard that Sam had died. I am SO sorry. You both are great people, and I am anguished at Sam's death. Dorothy and I are thinking about you, A LOT! Dick Niles
Mickey Roberts Chappelle
June 15, 2025
Sam was one of the most amazing and generous people I knew. He an amazing physician with a wonderful sense of humor. He introduced me to Operation Smile and I went on mission trips with him. I considered you more than a doctor I knew from VBH PACU. I considered you a dear friend. Prayers to his family and friends. Mickey
Dianne Nash
June 15, 2025
What a blessing he was in treating our daughter as she prepared to leave for college. We were so blessed to have known him.
Dianne Nash, retired VP Va Baptist Hospital
Magnolia Lang
June 15, 2025
Such an amazing grandfather and outstanding human!
Kim Wood
June 15, 2025
Dr. Fuller was always such a pleasure to work with in the operating room. He showed compassion to his patients and all those around him. He was truly a blessing especially to those on his mission trips and what a difference he made in so many lives. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Mark Morris
June 15, 2025
Wonderful and friendly man and Physician. Enjoyed working with him at LGH.
ben schowe
June 15, 2025
a mentor. a leader in the community. a person who cared. admired and loved by many.
Mary Helen Akers Abbott
June 15, 2025
I knew Carol Ann and Sam through my sister Betsy Akers as they were in the same class.They were Sweethearts even in high school.Sam was a good looking fine athletic guy that everyone liked. I am very sad for The family and for his lovely wife Carol Ann, who was a beauty even then and so sweet.
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