Roll Call Tribute

Grady William Fulbright

September 16, 1962 - March 5, 2023

Grady William Fulbright, cherished husband, principal, educator, and long-time resident of West passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the age of 60, at his residence.

Grady was assistant principal for Hillsboro High School, and a member of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Grady was a spiritual man; he grew up attending St. Louis Catholic Church. Over the years, his faith in God became a bold, beautiful expression of loving Him first, and family second. Despite any circumstance he was in, he never wavered in being a fine example of kindness, compassion, and selflessness.

Throughout his treatment schedule, he continued to go to work and fulfilled those obligations because it brought him great joy to be with his high school students. How thrilled was Grady's grandfather, Grady Fulbright Sr. to welcome his grandson, born on his birthday and named for him. Grady enjoyed classic cars and vintage stereos. A class clown to the very end, he had a warm, genuine sense of humor.

Grady and Jennifer enjoyed relaxing at the beach, working together to prepare special Sunday meals, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Texas A&M, and the Oklahoma Sooners. Grady was also an avid supporter of his school's extracurricular events, often found trackside, cheering on his students. Family was precious to Grady, and he loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. His patience and joy for life were evident in everything he did. Loved by his students, he truly considered them his kids.

Grady was born September 16, 1962, in Waco, the son of Joseph Lloyd and JoEllen (Culwell) Fulbright. He attended schools in Waco, graduating in 1981 from Reicher High School. Grady then attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts -Communication in 1989. Grady then received his Master's in Education - Educational Administration from Tarleton State University in 1995, followed by completion of a Superintendent Certification Program in 2007. Grady completed 71 hours, with a 4.0 GPA, in the Texas A&M Doctoral Program in Public School Administration.

On July 20, 1996, he was united in marriage to Jennifer Voth, in Waco. Grady and Jennifer were an amazingly effective team throughout their careers in education and community service. With incredible professional support, Grady and Jennifer were relentless and optimistic in their efforts to manage his terminal illness. Grady was such a credit to his parents, his grandparents, and to so many who knew him and love him still.

Grady is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Jennifer Fulbright; his mother, JoEllen Fulbright; his siblings, Linda Watts and husband, Brian, Mary Alice Lewis, Barbara Worley, Sue Ellen "Cindy" Lampe and husband, Stan, Joseph Fulbright Jr. and wife, Jerri, Rose "Roey" Abshire and husband, Danny, Patrick Fulbright and wife, Ande; his parents-in-law, Douglas Wade and Barbara Ann Voth of Edmond, Oklahoma; six sisters-in-law, and their families; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Grady was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Lloyd Fulbright Sr.; a special cousin, Ricky Fulbright; and a nephew, Nathan.

A Rosary and Mass will be held at St. Mary's in West on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Hillsboro High School gymnasium at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship is being created in Grady's name, details to be announced at a later date. His family owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Pinkstaff and the doctors of Baylor-Scott & White in Waco.