Mack Fulbright

Leroy McKean Fulbright went to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at his residence at Calder Woods. Mack was born in Beaumont, Texas, on March 18,1926, the first of two sons of Katherine Clapp and Leroy Fulbright.

Mack’s childhood was a simple but idyllic one. Living next door to his grandparents that indulged him with ponies and playing fields, which should have made him spoiled rotten, but instead made him an unselfish, dearly loved human being. Daddy had the gift of humor and refused all his life to speak harshly of anyone or hold a grudge. He set for his daughters and grandchildren a model of Christian faith and life, as a charter member serving and shepherding his cherished Calder Baptist Church for over seventy years.

At 17, Mack graduated with honors from Beaumont High in 1943, and promptly left for The University of Texas at Austin. While there, he was a proud member of the Silver Spurs and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. A year later in June of 1944 with World War II raging, he joined the United States Navy and trained as a quarter master until the end of the war. Mack married his first-grade sweetheart, Gloria, on July 6th, 1946, and began their life of travels with a honeymoon in Mexico. They returned to Austin, studying hard to graduate in 1947 with honors, in Mechanical Engineering and Business. Mack was a die-hard Longhorn to the very end.

The newlyweds came back to Beaumont and started their family of girls: Dianne, Suzzi, and Jan. He became active in the real estate industry in 1952, and founded American Real Estate Corporation then later American Builders. He served as president of the Beaumont Board of Realtors, Beaumont Country Club, and the Art Museum of the Southeast. In addition, he served as Chairman of the board of Beaumont State Bank, Director of Texas Association of Realtors, and as a Trustee and chairman of Buckner Retirement Services. Mack’s humility, humor, and heart made him a great leader.

Mack and Gloria LOVED to travel, whether it was going with family to Austin, Colorado or coast to coast, or joining friends on trips around the world! They always had a trip on the horizon that was usually centered around Mack’s great love for golf, tennis, sailing, or skiing. They created wonderful memories that were filled with laughter and love!

As an adored father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is survived by his daughters, Dianne Christian and husband, Bill; Suzzi Perry and husband, Randy; and Jan Fulbright; grandchildren, Kendall Hanson and husband, Matt; Canice Swope and husband, Grant; Kara Boudreaux and husband, Brad; Kealy Sehic and husband, Fedja; Collier Thompson and husband, Brian; Travis Perry; Taylor Perry and wife, Kahia; Spencer Perry and wife, Whitney; Katie Oppliger and husband, Ben; Betsy Simpson and husband, Jered; twenty special great-grandchildren, Claire Hanson, Luke Hanson, Ella Hanson, Will Swope, David Swope, Brooks Boudreaux, Reid Boudreaux, James Sehic, Sophia Sehic, Wagner Perry, Mack Perry, Giles Perry, Talia Rose Perry, Shepherd Perry, Marshall Perry, Vee Perry, Wales Perry, Madison Oppliger, Alexandra Oppliger, and Summer Simpson. Other relatives include a dear cousin, Tom Lamb; brother-in-law, Bob Anderson; nieces, Kris Anderson, Aileen Anderson, Kit Fensterbush; and nephews, Bill Fulbright and Richard Fulbright.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Gloria Bowers, his parents, and younger brother Dick Fulbright.

His family would especially like to thank Dr. Bert Brown, Dr. Joseph Holland, and his dear friend Dr. Thomas Lombardo. They are also grateful for Buckner Hospice, especially his nurse Jacquelyn Baumgardner and aide Marla King, and devoted caregivers Dianne McNeil, Mary Thomas, and Florence Jordan.

A gathering of Mr. Fulbright’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, with Dr. James R. Fuller, officiating. His interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702; Buckner Calder Woods, 7080 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706; Buckner Children’s Village of Beaumont, 9055 Manion Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

We who remain behind will miss him but rejoice with him in the promise of life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We are thankful for the dear father, grandfather, and friend Leroy McKean Fulbright has been in all our lives. Mack, you made us better people!

“What does the LORD require? To act justly and to love mercy & walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8