James Michael Fulgham, 71, of Maben, MS passed away at his residence on March 11, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born October 21, 1951, in Oktibbeha County, MS and was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church. Michael graduated from Maben High School in 1969 and East Mississippi Community College with an AA degree in 1971. He went on to work for Herschede Hall Clock Company, Bryan Foods, and Flexsteel Industries.
Michael spent 36 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard, 2-114th, Field Artillery, B-Btry 155th Armored Brigade before retiring as Master Sergeant in 2007. He received several promotions and was awarded numerous medals, ribbons, badges, and honors during his service. He was deployed to serve in Operation Desert Storm/Shield in 1990; Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005.
In his free time, he enjoyed watching MSU sports and westerns, gardening and working in the yard, grilling for family cookouts, hunting, fishing, and woodworking.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Fulgham, Jr., and Doris Pennington Fulgham. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Knight Fulgham of 51 years; three daughters all of Maben, MS, Tracy Fulgham Britt (Chris), Leslie Fulgham Blakely (Jason), and Brenda Fulgham Clayton (fiancé, Chip). He was the beloved Pepaw of six grandchildren, Haley Britt Pritchard (Tanner), Hannah Britt, Dylan Blakely, Lindsey Blakely, Logan Clayton, Connor Clayton and one great grandchild, Jack Pritchard. Michael is also survived by five siblings, Carolyn Webster of Ridgeland, MS; Steven Fulgham (Julie) of Maben, MS; Cindy Casteel (Steve) of Brandon MS; Debbie Threet (J.R.) of Caledonia, MS; Amy Lasky (Paul) of Columbus, MS; and nine nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 pm with the funeral and military graveside service immediately following. All services will be held at Center Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Casteel and Rev. Thad Moore will officiate.
Pallbearers: Matt Casteel, Brad Fulgham, Buck Johnson, Jerry Ray and Rodney Barksdale
The family would like to express our heart-felt thanks to the staff of Legacy Hospice for their genuine compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org/donate) or Center Grove Baptist Church General Fund, 146 Center Grove Road, Maben, MS 39750.
