Robert Samuel Fuller III, fondly known as Bob Fuller, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in the comfort of his home in Chowchilla, CA, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years old. Bob’s unwavering faith in Christ brings us immense comfort, as it reassures us that we will have the joyful opportunity to reunite with him in eternity. His deep beliefs instilled in him a sense of hope and purpose, inspiring all of us to cherish the memories we shared and to look forward to our eventual homecoming together.
Bob was born on July 2, 1942, in Sacramento, California, to Robert and Marian Fuller, who had made their home in Lodi. He returned home from the hospital to the family residence on South Crescent Avenue, where he spent his formative years before embarking on his journey into adulthood.
Bob attended Lodi schools and graduated from Lodi High School in June 1960, where he honed his leadership skills as the captain of the football team during his senior year, under the guidance of Coach John Giannoni. His athletic abilities and dedication to the sport left a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches alike. After graduation, he attended Delta Junior College in Stockton and spent a semester at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
During the summers from the age of 13 and through college, Bob hauled hay at various ranches in the Lodi area and Gardenville/Minden Nevada areas. He partnered with Mike Stemler, Argust Smith and anyone he could convince to join him. Most of the guys have complained over the years that Bob ruined their backs. He received a whopping ten cents a bale to load and stack the hay in the field or a barn.
In the fall of 1962, in pursuit of adventure and cultural experiences, Bob, along with four friends from Lodi, traveled to Europe. While his friends returned to California in January 1963 to continue their college education, Bob continued his journey around the world, immersing himself in diverse cultures and making unforgettable memories.
In the fall of 1963, after completing his remarkable world travels, Bob transferred to the University of California, Davis, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Rea, originally from Sacramento. Their love blossomed, leading to their marriage in June 1966. Bob graduated from UC Davis in 1967. He joined the Lodi Masonic Order, an organization known for its commitment to charity and community service, and received his third degree, marking his membership within the group, a membership which lasted over 50 years, In the later years, Bob took on the role of treasurer, managing the organization’s finances and contributing to its philanthropic efforts. His dedication earned him deep respect and affection among his fellow members. After achieving this significant milestone in Freemasonry, Bob answered the call of duty by enlisting in the Army, where he fulfilled a two-year service commitment, serving his country honorably. His training at Ft. Knox, KY, included specializing as a tank commander and maintenance officer. Both he and Barbara were stationed at Ft. Knox before being deployed to Gelnhausen, Germany. During this time, they formed lifelong friendships with the German families of the Remmels and Riedls, who shared similar ages and interests, enriching their overseas experience.
Upon returning from Germany, Bob transitioned to civilian life and took a position as a ranch manager in Covelo, California. However, his career soon took a significant turn when he joined the Federal Land Bank of Modesto in 1973, where he dedicated himself to helping local farmers and ranchers navigate financial challenges until his retirement in 2010.
Bob raised his family in Hughson, California, instilling strong values of hard work, community service, and family bonds in his children. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his son, Hollen Fuller (Kristi) residing in Westminster, CA; his daughter, Heather Fuller Kuloloia (Kimo); his daughter, Leslie Fuller Hall of Sacramento, CA; and his daughter, Laurel Fuller Machado (Danny) of Chowchilla, CA. Bob was also a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren: Taylor Hall, Madison Hall, Jordan Palama, Brendan Hall, Darian Palama, Kaleo Fuller, Kalani Fuller, Kai Fuller, Makana Fuller, Hunter Palama, Samuel Machado, Rylan Palama, Gianna Machado, Gabriel Machado, and Kalei Kuloloia. Additionally, he cherished his two great-grandchildren, Huxton Peirson and Sawyer Peirson. Bob is survived by his sister, Judith Lunsford, of Gardnerville, NV, along with her two children, Robert Hutton, (Linda) and Robyn Nichols, (Scott). Bob is predeceased by his parents Robert and Marian Fuller.
In lieu of flowers, Bob wished for financial contributions to be directed to Shriner’s Hospitals, through www.donate.lovetotherescue.org. At drop down menu for “direct my gift to location” - we request Northern California.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Church of Chowchilla, located at 208 Fig Road, Chowchilla, CA 93610. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted, providing family and friends with an opportunity to share stories, reminisce, and celebrate the remarkable life of Bob.
