Leon Fulton Obituary

LEON ROBERT FULTONLEON ROBERT FULTON, born on September 27, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana and passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023. He was the seventh of eight children born to the union of Clinton and Martha Pugh Fulton. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Felton Raphael, pastor of Second Bethlehem Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Leon was educated in the Orleans Parish School System, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. Within four years he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After serving his country, Leon matriculated at Dillard University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He completed graduate studies at the University of New Orleans where he received a Master's Degree in Administrative Supervision. In 1957, he married Orlean Marie Joseph, and from this union two children were born. In 1991, he married Alma Willis Dunn; from this union he gained two bonus children. Having excelled as a teacher, he was promoted to Assistant Principal within the Orleans Parish School System where he retired with 20 years of service. Leon had an entrepreneurial spirit that, along with his friend and partner, Stephen S. Johnson III, led them to establish Fulton and Johnson Insurance Agency. In 1985, Fulton, Johnson, Newman and Pittman Insurance Agency was formed and became one of the premiere African American agencies in the City of New Orleans. Additionally, he was the president of First Capital & Mortgage Company; partner, Woodlawn Estates; president of Gulf South Travels; and former Board member of Entergy Corporation, New Orleans; president, Southwest Protection Services, Inc. ; founder/owner, New Orleans Thunder Football Team; Regional Football League; co-founder Republic National Bank and Bayou Federal Savings and Loan. Leon was a civic-minded servant leader who had numerous professional and civic affiliations including member, Independent Insurance Agents Association; board member, Urban League of New Orleans; New Orleans Mayor's Foundation of Education, Inc. ; Louisiana Commerce and Industry Board; Louisiana Business Task Force for Education; Council of International Visitors; Louisiana Nature and Science Center; Greater New Orleans Tourist and Convention Commission; National Job Training Partnership; New Orleans Police Foundation; National Council of Christians and Jews; Louisiana Health Care Authority; National African American Insurance Association; past chairman; New Orleans World Trade Center; Friends of Louisiana Private Colleges and University; New Orleans Private Industry Council; Dillard University Century Club; Dillard University Alumni Association; former Louisiana State Commissioner- New Orleans Convention Center; former Board of Governors; and Entergy City Club of New Orleans. Socially he was a member of the Townsmen Club, Original Illinois Club, Alpha Alpha Boule, Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Lambda Chapter, and The Studs Social Club. Leon was a hard-working, honorable man who was known for his business acumen and "joie de la vie. " He loved entertaining and truly enjoyed the camaraderie of family and friends. He left an indelible impression on all who knew him and will be sorely missed by countless friends, family and colleagues. Leon Robert Fulton was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Martha Fulton; first wife, Orlean; and his siblings, Ishmael, Seenea, Eunice, Augustus, Alexander, and Rev. Warner Fulton. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Alma Willis Fulton; daughters Elise Fulton Smith and Elisa Dunn; sons Bryan Fulton (Conchetta), and Grady Damon Dunn (Debbie); grandchildren Noel Smith, Kyle Fulton, Priya Dunn and Gianna Dunn; sisters-in-law Carline Fulton, Gladys Fulton, Gwen H. Willis, Wanda Willis, Tracy Willis and Charlotte Willis; brothers-in-law George Willis, J. Mack Willis, and Dr. Floyd Willis, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, 2120 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113 from 10:00 a. m. until 12:30 p. m. Graveside Service followed by Interment at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. , New Orleans, LA 70124 at 1:00 p. m. All those in attendance are encouraged to wear a face mask. You may sign the guest book on www. gertrudegeddeswillis. com. GERTRUDE GEDDES WILLIS FUNERAL HOME INC. , 2120 JACKSON AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70113 (504) 522-2525 and MURRAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, INC. , 1199 Utoy Springs Road SW, ATLANTA, GA 30331 (404) 349-3000 IN CHARGE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions be made to the scholarship fund in tribute to "Leon R. Fulton Class of 59" Dillard University online donations: www. Dillard. edu/give <http://www. Dillard. edu/give> (<http://www. dillard. edu/give> or mail to Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd. , New Orleans, LA 70122. The family of Leon R. Fulton is deeply grateful to our friends for their expressions of love shown during our time of bereavement. Your kindness, thoughts and prayers have been a source of comfort and strength. We sincerely appreciate all acts of kindness you shared. We offer our special thanks to: Summerset Assisted Living Center staff for excellent and proficient service rendered. We also offer our warmest gratitude to Sympodia Hospice staff for your loving care and dedication. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Leon Robert Fulton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.