Rev. Earnest P. Fultz, Sr.

Rev. Earnest P. Fultz Sr.

February 15, 1935 - November 18, 2025

Rev. Earnest Porter Fultz Sr., age 90 of Petersburg, peacefully went home to the Lord, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at home with family by his side.

Born February 15, 1935, in Graze Knob, Kentucky. Earnest was the son of the late Rev. Robert and Mary (Hammac) Fultz. As a teenager, his journeys took him as a hitchhiker to California and back.

After his travels, Earnest met and married the love of his life, Norma Cunningham, on September 10, 1954, in Tazewell, Tennessee. They raised a family of five children and spent over 71 wonderful years together. They raised their children to love church, music and singing.

Earnest first started working on the railroad at the age of 14. He later went on to work at Purolator Products in Petersburg as a Die Setter for 24 years. After that he became a Welder at Detroit Stoker for 19 years.

He then followed his passion and became the Pastor at True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church of Monroe in 1982. In 1989, he transitioned to serving Petersburg Missionary Baptist Church. He established both churches in the 1980’s along with brother Troy Keck from True Gospel. He shared his ministries for about 50 years.

Earnest was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for 20 years. In his spare time, he loved woodworking, gardening and growing vegetables. He will be remembered for his strong faith and dedication to the church. Earnest will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.

Beloved husband of Norma Fultz. Loving father of Sandra (John) Koraleski, Robert (Mary Barnas) Fultz, Ricky (Ruth Furlong) Fultz, and Mark (Diana Keck) Fultz. Dearest grandfather of Timothy (Ashley) Fultz, Amanda (Andy) Vittore, Philip (Chelsie) Fultz, Thomas (Joeline) Koraleski, Melissa (Matt) Hunter, Joshua (Ashley) Fultz, David (Ashley) Fultz, Christopher Fultz, Tyler (Chelsea) Fultz, Raechel (Brian) Carr, and Elizabeth (Alex) Ogren. Great grandfather of 24. Dear brother of Robert “Smokey” (Lois) Fultz, Mary Werthington, Rev. John (Rita) Fultz, Anita Wexell, and Rev. Daniel (Penny) Fultz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Earnest Fultz Jr., siblings, Pansey “Lucille” Blakesley, Florence “Elaine” West, Luther “Butch” Fultz, and Bernice Cunningham, daughter in law: Jeanne Fultz.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home starting at 11 am. Officiating is Rev. Daniel Fultz and Rev. JC Adams. Burial will follow  to Pleasantview Cemetery in Petersburg.

The Fultz family would like to extend a special thank you to Residential Hospice and to Sophia and Tonya for their exceptional care they provided to Earnest in his final days.

In honor of Earnest, memorial donations are suggested to Petersburg Missionary Baptist Church or to Residential Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com