Kenneth M. Fullbright
Kenneth Monroe Fullbright, 78, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on May 28, 2025, after a brief period of declining health.
The youngest of four sons, Ken was born to Nell and Alvin “Sol” Fullbright in Webster, North Carolina, on March 17, 1947. Having survived polio as a young child, Ken developed a habit of taking on leadership roles in the groups he was part of. He started as an Easterseals camper and later returned to serve as a counselor during high school. He graduated from Sylva-Webster High School in 1965, where he was an outstanding student, served as class president, was involved in athletics management, nominated for the Morehead scholarship, and voted “Best All-Around” by his peers.
While studying mathematics at Western Carolina University, Ken was chosen to be North Carolina’s representative at an international disabled youth conference in Denmark in 1965. After finishing college, Ken started a career in commercial insurance that lasted 50 years, working in Charlotte, Asheville, and Sylva. He eventually retired from Stanberry Insurance Agency before relocating to Wake County to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
A pioneer in wheelchair sports for over 30 years, Ken was a basketball player, coach, commissioner, and an inaugural inductee into the sports Hall of Fame. Off the court, he was just as dynamic—crafting with wood, dominating Trivial Pursuit with merciless accuracy, or enjoying live bluegrass — ideally with a cold drink and a hot opinion on Atlanta Braves bullpen management. Ken was known to embrace technology long before it was mainstream—often purchasing gadgets before they were reasonably priced or even fully functional. He probably invented dual-screen multitasking. Ken’s quick wit and quietly sharp intellect made him a favorite of anyone lucky enough to know him. He was a mentor, beloved husband and father, and proud grandfather who will be profoundly missed.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Nell and Sol; and brothers, Bob and Al.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean; daughter Lynn (Anthony) of Holly Springs, NC; and son, Jeremy (Morgan) of Wendell, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mason Womack, Sadie Womack, and Davis Fullbright; brother Jerry (Ginger) of Sylva, NC, and many nieces and nephews.