Douglas Dale Fulmer

Douglas Fulmer, 81, of Bristow, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 11, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and their three children, John (Danielle), Lisa, and Jim (Jill). He was a proud grandfather to Lauren (Wade), Brady (fiancée Lexi), Grace, Elinora, Hazel, and Sean, and he cherished his role as great-grandfather to Lyla Grace. He is also survived by his sister, Gayle (Jack), and was preceded in death by his brother, Craig (Connie). He was a graduate of Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, and a proud member of Phi Delta Theta, Indiana Delta chapter. He built a long and respected career as a management consultant in the telecommunications industry and previously served six years in the Indiana Army National Guard. A true patriot who was deeply proud to serve his country, he was a natural teacher and coach who was always helping others grow and become better versions of themselves. Whether serving in leadership roles in student government, in his fraternity, at Indiana Bell and AT&T Federal Systems, or later guiding technical teams through his own company, Fulmer Management Group, he lifted people up and believed in their potential. His personality lit every room. He was funny, warm, and endlessly positive; someone people naturally gravitated toward. He made everyone feel special and never missed a chance to share a bright word or a laugh. He had a way of leaving people, and everything he touched, better than he found them. His daily “Happy Day!” greeting to his children and grandchildren became a beloved family ritual, and he never failed to leave a cheerful “Hi kids!” or “Hi girls!” on the posts of those he loved. He lived life with enthusiasm and genuine curiosity. He enjoyed appearing as an extra in movies and commercials and had a deep love of history and volunteering with educational reenactments at Bull Run Mountain Conservancy, where he also gave time and service. He was happiest when he was active and outdoors. He played senior softball, enjoyed hiking, and treasured golfing with his grandson. He also loved birdwatching and always kept his Audubon field guide and binoculars close by. Music was another joy of his life, and he often picked up his guitar to play. On quiet Sunday mornings, you could always find him reading the “funnies” in the paper, a simple pleasure that never stopped bringing him joy. When he wasn’t participating in his own activities, he was in the stands cheering for his kids and grandkids. Over the years, he supported soccer, football, softball, competitive cheer, and golf, and he was a familiar and friendly face at Patriot High School sporting events. His pride in his family was clear in every game he watched and every moment he celebrated with them. Above all, his greatest joy in life was his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, Virginia. A celebration of Doug’s life will follow at Rockwood, also in Gainesville. All who knew and loved him are welcome. Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Donations in Doug’s memory may also be made to the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://ipffoundation.org

Douglas Dale Fulmer

August 2, 1944 - November 11, 2025