Billie Louise (Dunbar) Fuller

Lifelong Longview resident, Billie Louise Dunbar Fuller, 91, died Sunday night at 9:30 August 16, 2020 in her room at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living. She died exactly 10 years to the day after her husband of 59 years.

Billie was born May 28, 1929 to George Russell Dunbar and Nancy Lorene Hopper She was the oldest of 3 daughters. Married October 28th, 1950 to Dick Fuller. They had two sons, George and Mark. Billie went to college at a young age of 16 at North Texas and while there learned to fly. One of her many amazing stories was of flying home with the boyfriend who’s plane she was flying and circling her house while her family came out. Then landing in a field and surprising them that it was her who flew! She earned a degree in Accounting and worked many years. After having children she decided to go back to college to become a teacher. She carpooled with other ladies from Longview to Nacogdoches to Stephen F. Austin State University. She took such amazing notes, professors asked for them and upon graduation she was offered a job to teach. It would have been hard with her family in Longview though they offered to house them. She taught over 30 years at Bramlette Elementary. Many children were blessed to have her as their teacher. She was also interested in medicine but thought at her age it was too late to start the years of training.

Billie was preceded in death by Joyce Whitehurst of Longview and survived by one sister, Patsy Cefalu from Shreveport, LA. Two sons George and Mark. Grandchildren Cindy Baugh, Clint Fuller, Lane Fuller. Great grandchildren, Brenna, McKenzie, Zachary Baugh. As well as extended family, John and Kay Swigart, Suzanne, Josh, Jessica, Molly and Jack and very dear and special friends Diane Boyd and Susan Simpson.

Billie was very active in organizations. She was a member of The Republican Women of Gregg County, Methodist Women, Citizens on Patrol, Longview Women’s Forum, Christian Women Connection, Prayer Shawl Ministry at Mobberly Church, Tuesday Bible Study, Knots of Love- preemie blankets, Retired Teachers Association.

Billie was so gracious and kind to all. When in the hospital or rehab she always thanked the cleaning crew in particular telling them that they had the most important job of all. She made good friends wherever she went, and nurses were so glad to see her. Everyone remembers her fun stories. One Valentine, Dick drove a red Cadillac to the school for her. Kids and staff lined the windows to ooh and aww. Teachers commented, “My husband just bought me flowers and took me to dinner…” Dick loved to go on cruises and was trying to make a total of 25. They made it to at least 19. They had such love for each other. Billie also loved the Lord and spoke of Him to all. She was not afraid to die and rejoiced that her sins were forgiven by the blood of Christ. We are happy knowing she is with her Savior and her beloved husband and out of pain.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Welch Funeral Home with Rev. Jay Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation, one hour prior to the service.