Rev. Ellis Grady Fulbright Sr.

Rev. Ellis Grady Fulbright, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, missionary, and servant of the Lord, leaves behind a legacy of faithful Christian service that reached far beyond his local community.

He was the beloved husband of Ruby Ann Jones Fulbright. Together, Ellis and Ruby shared a life dedicated to their family, their church, and the work of the Lord.

Ellis was the loving father of Ellis G. Fulbright, Jr. and wife, Melinda; Patricia Fulbright Harrell and husband, Rev. J.T. Harrell; and Rev. Amelia Kay Fulbright and husband, Jonathan Zercher. He was a proud grandfather to Tyler Harrell, Anna Morgan Harrell, Abigail Fulbright, Mason Fulbright, Vivienne Zercher, and George Zercher.

He was the son of the late Max L. Gordon Fulbright and the late Viola Church Fulbright. Ellis was preceded in death by his brother, Bland Fulbright, and his sister, Mary Frances Fulbright Seaborn. He is survived by his brother, Douglas Fulbright.

Ellis was educated at Hildebran High School, Mars Hill College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve from March 1956 until March 1962.

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Fulbright faithfully served the Lord as pastor of two churches and served in two associations. His heart for missions led him and Ruby to serve with the Foreign Mission Board from 1974 until 1986 in Zambia, Africa. Following their return to the United States, Ellis continued his mission work, making five trips to Brazil, one trip to Honduras, eight trips to Southern Africa/Swaziland, and additional trips to Zambia.

Rev. Fulbright’s life was marked by a commitment to the Gospel and a willingness to go wherever the Lord called him. His ministry touched lives both at home and around the world, and his influence will continue through his family, the churches he served, and the many people whose lives were changed through his faithful service.

Though his earthly ministry has come to an end, the testimony of his life remains: a husband who loved his wife, a father and grandfather who cherished his family, a pastor who faithfully served his people, and a missionary who carried the Gospel beyond his own borders.

His family and friends will remember him with gratitude for a life well lived and a faith faithfully kept.

The funeral will be 3:00 P.M. Friday, October 9, 2026 at Oak Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Keith Fulbright officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 P.M., and burial will follow at the church Cemetery.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Fulbright family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Matthew 25:21, KJV