Cyrus Fulton

Cyrus "Cy" Brown Fulton, Jr., 88, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away April 17, 2016, surrounded by his family. Cy was born August 18, 1927 and was raised in the coal mining town of New Castle, Alabama. He attended Jefferson County High School and, at the age of 18, joined the Army. After serving his country, he returned to Birmingham and worked at Chicago Bridge and Iron. Early in 1949 Cy met the love of his life, Janet Lois Braswell and they were married on June 10, 1950. Cy and Janet celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary only two days before Janet passed away. In less than four years, Cy and Janet had three children: Juanita Fulton Gray (David), Rita Fulton Keyes (Dave), and Cyrus Brown Fulton III (Linda). By 1985, they were the grandparents of 8 grandchildren: Eddie Sharit (Lisa), Deanna Sharit Wilson (Jason), Brad Sharit (Ashley), Jennifer Crook, Leslie Brook Fulton, Laura Crook Woodard (Nolan), Danny Fulton, Jessica Fulton Mosher (Jeremy). By 2013, they were the proud great-grandparents of 12: Emily Sharit Foote (Will), Molly Sharit, Gabriel Moore, Zac Wilson, Lucas Moore, Bryce Kirk, Cleo Moore, Kinlee Wilson, Amelia Mosher, Benjamin Sharit, Flynn Woodard, and Anna Grace Sharit. In addition to those previously listed, Cy is survived by his sister Mary Kate Fulton Rush; brothers-in-law Robert Braswell (Nona) and Jim Braswell (Paula); sister-in-law Carolyn Braswell Galloway (Robert); dear family friend, Kenneth St. John, and countless nieces and nephews.

Cy was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Lois Braswell Fulton; his father and mother, Cyrus Brown Fulton, Sr. and Leslie Brook Elkins Fulton; his sisters Alice Fulton Drummonds (Bob) and Betty Lou Fulton Bartlett (J.B.); his brother-in-law Joseph Rush; his father and mothers-in-law, Homer Winston Braswell, Gladys Irene Wright Braswell and Bertha Mae Miller Braswell; sisters-in-law Margaret Braswell Glassco (Odes) and Glynda Braswell Morrison (Tillman); his son-in-law, Charles "Chas" Lamb.

In the early 1950's, Cy began his lifelong career in sales when he joined the sales team at City Paper Company. By the 1960's he was working at Dillard Paper Company in Birmingham. Cy quickly became one of the outstanding salesmen of the company and won numerous awards for his achievements. In 1974, he and Janet started their own company, Fulton Enterprises. A wholesale specialty packaging distributorship comprised of himself and one employee, Fulton Enterprises grew to become very successful. A masterful salesman and innovator, Cy constantly modified the product mix to meet market place demands and an expanding customer base. Over 34 years, Fulton Enterprises grew and flourished due to Cy's leadership and his ability to develop and motivate a great and dedicated team of employees.

In the late 1980s, Janet and Cy took to the road in their motorhome. They traveled extensively and explored most of the US and several Canada provinces. The friends Cy made in business and on the road are far too numerous to list. Each held a special place in his heart.

In August 2005, Cy and Janet moved to Galleria Woods Retirement Community. Over the next 11 years Cy impacted his community by supporting both friends and associates of the community. For the past two years, Cy served as President of the Skilled Nursing Residents Council, a job perfectly suited for him and one that allowed him to use his business skills while representing his fellow residents.

Our family is blessed to call this man our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. Our lives will continue to be enriched by the love we shared.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at Galleria Woods for their diligent and compassionate care during the last two years, especially Patsy Gann and the entire Skilled Nursing staff. We would also like thank Jeanie Yeager from Compassus Hospice for her compassionate care during his final days. Visitation will be at 9:15 am with a service following at 10:15 am on Wednesday, April 20, at his church, Riverchase United Methodist Church. He will be buried at Friendship Cemetery in Mt. Hebron (near Boaz) at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Riverchase UMC Building Fund or Friendship Cemetery Fund, 525 Bohannon Road, Boaz, AL 35957.