David Fuller

With a quick smile, a quiet infectious laugh, and a sarcastic sense of humor, David Fuller lived a life rich in family and friends. He was a hard worker who had a gift for making more time in a day to get everything accomplished, and he never hesitated to give what he could to support his family and friends. A dependable, devoted, and steadfast companion, most of all, David was a genuine example of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. A gift to all who were blessed to know him, David will long be remembered and so very missed.

It seems fitting that a man with such enthusiasm for life was born in the middle of one of the most highly charged decades in US history. While the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement resulted in volatile protests, the inventions of the Super Ball and Skate Board reminded us of the importance of play. Women’s skirts grew shorter while men’s hair grew longer, and The Beatles’ “Help” album dominated the airways. With much hope for the future, Richard and Joan (Blok) Fuller welcomed their son David into their hearts and home on July 8, 1965, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The fifth of the seven Fuller children, David grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids. He spent much time outdoors playing sports, riding his bike, and hanging out with friends, returning home when the street lights came on in the evening. David attended West Leonard Elementary and Union High School, where he enjoyed participating in sports. He spent some time in wrestling, football, and baseball. Family vacations at Silver Lake, playing on the sand dunes, were always a good time. From a young age, David refused to sugarcoat or shy away from his opinions. A few of his most common phrases included, “That’s too bad,” “Bite Me!” and “Don’t be a Wussy.” He never hesitated to share his insights, which probably got him in some trouble from time to time; he had a way of finding mischief. He held a deep respect for his father, who was an excellent role model and kept David in check.

After high school, David started working. Throughout much of his life, he worked various manufacturing jobs, including jobs at furniture factories and a meat company. It was common for David to work several jobs at one time to support his family. He was a hard worker and did what he needed to do. He even took jobs he really didn’t like until better opportunities came along. He liked the grunt work, especially if it meant working with his hands and getting them dirty. For the last ten years, he was a machine operator for Pridgeon and Clay. Never one to be still; he was always doing something. When not at work, he was usually tinkering at home or helping someone else. He loved putting his mechanical mind and skills into any task that proved helpful and supportive. He also liked a tidy house. His home was so neat he earned the nickname Mr. Clean.

After high school, David met Connie Lewis. They dated for a time and married in 1986. Though the marriage didn’t last, they were blessed with three children. David loved being a family man and raising his three daughters at their home on Palmer and Lafayette. Though strict, he gave in easily and raised his girls to be persevering, brave, and confident. He helped them learn to ride bikes, play sports, and trust their worth. He never complained and also nurtured them with a tender side. He wrote them special notes, bought them flowers, and readily apologized when needed. David worked hard to ensure his girls had everything they needed, and like his father, he proved a wonderful role model.

After divorcing, David needed help to care for his daughters. Fortunately, an acquaintance had started a daycare. Angela had three children much the same age as David’s girls and welcomed the opportunity to help. In turn, David supported her too. Kind and generous, when he saw something that she needed help with, he provided a helpful hand. Over time, his generous acts of kindness and how he fathered his girls inspired Angela to work up the courage to ask David if they should be more than friends. With signature bluntness, he said, “Yes,” and the families soon blended. Though they continued to live separately until the youngest of their kids turned 18, they did much together, and David didn’t hesitate to take on Angela’s children as his own. He was always helping and passing on his skills to them. The blended family shared amazing fun times together. From camping to visits to Great Wolf Lodge, to family parties and cookouts and the infamous Birch Run shopping sprees, he was all about family time.

Dave had a way of making sure there was time for everyone and always had more love to spread around as the family grew. As the kids grew older and moved out, David was quick to travel wherever they were to help. Angie continued running her daycare, and David invested in and positively impacted every child she cared for. On June 25, 2010, David and Angie married. Without much planning, they took a honeymoon up north, and it turned out wonderfully.

Despite not having much time for hobbies, David did have some interests. He loved Classic Rock, especially KISS, and his kids remember his huge speakers and singing and dancing with him in their younger years. He loved watching Sunday NFL football, cheering on his beloved Steelers, and going to Old Country Buffet or Ponderosa on Thursdays. He bowled and golfed a bit, and a friend of Angie’s from church introduced him to hunting; he was so excited to get his first deer. More recently, David and Angie got into rock hounding – looking for rocks, and had a trip planned to the Upper Peninsula over the upcoming Fourth of July.

As amazing as he was as a father, he excelled even more as a grandpa. Again, he always found time in his day to work his actual job, help friends and family, and pick up the grandkids from school. He never had to say “No” to any request and delighted in supporting his loved ones. He loved having a bonfire and playing classic rock while tinkering around the house or yard. It was while being his typical busy self, working on a project at home, that he died in a tragic accident.

As we face the sudden absence of David’s unwavering and loving companionship, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in carrying his legacy of love forward. Whenever we welcome the day as a gift, live the moment to the fullest, generously give of our time and talents in service of others, and envelope our loved ones with unwavering support, we celebrate the many ways David gifted our lives. In this way, we keep his spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

David John Fuller, age 57, of Grand Rapids, passed away in a tragic accident on June 17, 2023. David is survived by his wife, Angie; children Carissa (Lee) Borst, Jessica (Brandon) Murrell, Jasmine (De’Lon) Barry, James (Jessica) Shamel, Jennifer Shamel, Precious (Denzel) Spicer; grandchildren Aria and Iyla Murrell, Matthew, Christina, Chelsea, Ezra and Adonis Barry, Urijah Fuller, Roman, Oliver and Emma Shamel, Josiah, and Jeremiah Spicer; brothers and sisters Marcia English (Ted VanderVlist), Richard (Lee) Fuller Jr., Ken Fuller, Cheryl Orlikowski (John), Kathy Fuller (Denny Keister), and Michelle McClary (Rick Searle); as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. David is preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” and Joan Fuller. The service to remember and celebrate David’s life will be on Saturday, June 24, at 10 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to assist with burial expenses may be paid directly to the funeral home. To read more about David, share a favorite photo or memory, or sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com