After a courageous battle for life, Robert Malone Fuller, of Bowdon, Georgia, went to his heavenly home on January 1, 2011, at his residence, surrounded by family. He was 86.

Mr. Fuller was born on August 20, 1924, to Mary Lou McLendon Fuller and Lunas Jefferson Fuller in Tyus, Georgia. He graduated from Bowdon High School in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European theatre. Upon discharge, he returned home, married Jean Meredieth Styles, and later became a partner with Julian “Bub” Smith in the Auto Supply Company in 1956, retiring in 1991. He was an avid home gardener and enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren. As a faithful member of Bowdon Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, chairman of the board of deacons, and Sunday School Secretary for many years. He was also a faithful member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.

In addition to his parents, Malone was preceded in death by his brothers, Lunus Jefferson “L.J.” Fuller, Jr., Mack Francis Fuller, William Martin “Billy” Fuller, and sister, Marcia Fuller Moon.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Styles Fuller; a sister, Katherine Fuller Merrill of Piedmont, Ala,; and his six children and their spouses: Steve and Pam Fuller of Carrollton, Ga.; Melinda and Jack Beam of Grapevine, Texas; Robert and Patricia Fuller of Cookeville, Tenn.; Roy Fuller of Bowdon; Laura and Tommy Messer of Bowdon; and Jon and Jennifer Fuller of Bremen, Ga. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Malone Fuller will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Bowdon Baptist Church. Dr. J. Howard Cobble will officiate. Rev. Benny Boggus will provide the music. Pallbearers will be Mark Fuller, Jason Fuller, Kyle Fuller, Chad Fuller, Rob Messer, Zachary Messer, and Chris Messer. Members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Interment will follow the funeral services in the Bowdon City Cemetery.

Prior to the services, Mr. Fuller’s body will be placed at the church from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour.

Flowers will be accepted, but those wishing to do so may make contributions in Mr. Fuller’s memory to the Bowdon Baptist Church Building Fund (P.O. Box 250, Bowdon, GA 30108).

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.rainwaterfuneralhome.com.

Rainwater Funeral Home, Bowdon.