George Fulling

George Fulling, 84 of Palestine, IL, died October 17, 2020, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. He was born August 25, 1936, in his family's home on top of Bristol Hill, the third of six children of Byrl & Dorothy (Nigh) Fulling. He grew up in the Palestine area and worked the family farm alongside his father and brothers, that is, when he wasn't attending Centennial Country School or Palestine High School. Here, he managed the basketball team that went to state and was also active with the FFA, having even served as president during his senior year. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army for three years before coming home to start his own farm. He would tend to the earth for the next 30 years of his life before getting hired on as a supervisor at Fair-Rite, where he would eventually retire in 2003. When he wasn't busy at work, he gave countless hours to his community as a township official, having served in all capacities for 40 years. He was also very active in his home church, Outer West Market in Palestine, where he was a past elder and was involved in numerous bible studies and youth groups. Much of his free time found George tinkering in his shed or tending to his garden, the produce from which was often canned or made into delicious tomato juice. He was also an avid racing fan, and followed auto and horse racing with great enthusiasm and fervor. In contrast to the speed and noise that comes with racing, some of George's favorite past times were built on the foundations of unhurriedness and silence. He found great satisfaction walking in the peace and tranquility of the woods, and was also known to take the "scenic route" when driving just about anywhere. In short, it was apparent that George soaked up every bit of goodness this life has to offer. Recently, his family uncovered a trinket from his school days, the American Legion School Award Medal. It is an award given to young men and women who demonstrate strong qualities of character and good citizenship. If this doesn't just encapsulate George Fulling! His 84 years were marked by these traits as well as a quiet, gentle strength that helped him through his fight and eventual victory over prostate cancer. It can be said that George Fulling was the most pure and honest soul you could ever hope to meet. We have the assurance that his wonderful life hasn't ended; that through the love of his Savior, George's life has really just begun. He met Linda McDaniel in the fall of 1965, and they married on April 2, 1966. This means that they enjoyed 54 years together before his passing. He is also survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Alan & Brandy Fulling (Palestine, IL) and Aaron & Katrina Fulling (Palestine, IL); by his grandchildren, Cade & Jillian Fulling (Peoria, IL), Chloe Fulling & fiancé Quentin Eldridge (North Little Rock, AR), Joey Fulling (Palestine, IL), Alex Fulling & fiancé Blake Binder (Robinson, IL), Dannika Fulling (Palestine, IL); by two great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Kyran; by his brothers, Max Fulling (Palestine, IL) and Bob & Karen Fulling (Rantoul, IL); by several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of precious friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his brothers, John Fulling and Lee Fulling; by his sister, Alice "Polly" Shaw; and by a number of in-laws and extended family members. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19 MANDATES PASSED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND IT WILL BE REQUIRED THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20th at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Watson officiating. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "American Cancer Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.