Frederick Fuller Obituary

Frederick Lee Fuller

June 29, 1939 - May 26, 2025

Fred Fuller, a teacher, director, wordsmith, and general curmudgeon, passed away on May 26, 2025. He was 85 years old.

Fred Fuller was born in Whiting, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in education and became a teacher, although he also worked as a newspaper reporter, social worker, and taxi driver, among other pursuits.

Fred first married Elizabeth Ann (Johns) Fuller, who preceded him in death. The union resulted in four daughters, Elizabeth "Beth" Kaplan, Anna "Kathryn" Haynes, Mary (Kevin) Heffernan, and Rebecca "Becca" Russo-Wezensky as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren before the couple divorced.

Fred subsequently married Miriam (Ingram) McClure, and he became a stepfather to Miriam's four children: Greg (Margaret) McClure, Julie McClure, James (Laurie) McClure, and John (Ann) McClure. Fred and Miriam moved to Virginia in 1978, first living in Martinsville, and then Roanoke; Miriam Fuller passed away in 2006.

During his time in Virginia, Fred taught English and theatre (as he insisted on spelling it), served as a yearbook adviser, and oversaw school newspapers, at Fieldale-Collinsville High School, and, later, at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke. Fred also earned a master's degree from Hollins University. However, Fred most enjoyed directing theater productions, ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare, and experimental approaches including black box theatre. At Patrick Henry High, Fred's drama students excelled in regional- and state-level competitions. Fred loved collaborating with students throughout the theatrical production process, and seeing those efforts come to fruition onstage. Fred retired from teaching in 1998, and turned his attention to writing, producing two novels and several opinion essays that appeared in the Roanoke Times. He also was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church.

In recent years, Fred was fortunate to fall in love once again. He married Terry Cabaniss, who survives Fred, in February 2020. Terry Cabaniss-Fuller became Fred's best friend, steadfast companion, and comrade in arms. The couple lived in Roanoke County, where they enjoyed visiting with family, particularly Terry's son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Michelle Cabaniss, and their children, and playing host to various pets.

Fred will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and former students and colleagues.