Edward "Eddie" Earl Fulford

Edward “Eddie” Earl Fulford, 84, of Wilson, North Carolina, passed away on July 1, 2026.

Eddie was born on December 21, 1941, to the late Edward Addison Fulford and Ruby P. Fulford. A lifelong son of Wilson, he attended Fike High School and East Carolina University. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lou Newton Fulford, and together they built a life full of family, faith, and open doors. They raised their family in a home where there was always room for one more — Eddie was known to bring home hitchhikers and foster children to stay with the family, living out his faith in the most practical way he knew: by helping people. He served for many years as a Gideon, and he was an active member of the Wilson community, always ready to take on a project when he could.

Eddie founded Fulford's Antiques, starting the business in his own house and building it from the ground up — a testament to his work ethic, his eye for a good story, and his genuine love of people. Anyone who stopped in knew they'd leave with more than they came for, usually in the form of one of Eddie's stories.

A fiercely competitive athlete, Eddie loved baseball, softball, and racquetball, and he left his mark on many an opponent. He owned a legendary softball glove — so effective it was ultimately banned for being “like a net.” He was known to foul three balls down the third base line, wait for the outfield to shift, and then drop one right down the first base line. That was Eddie: patient, clever, and always a step ahead.

He loved the beach and the sun, and could sit in his chair for hours, always catching a nap. He loved animals, too — he was known to stop downtown and buy a few hamburgers for his favorite stray dogs. He had a soft spot for every creature that crossed his path, two-legged or four.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Lou Newton Fulford; his children, Kim F. Benson and husband, Tom of Wilson, Edward Arpe Fulford and wife, Blair of Wilson, Mark Christopher Fulford and wife, Linda of Wilson, and Ted Addison Fulford and wife, Suzette of Atlantic Beach; his brother, Richard Alton Fulford and wife, Debbie of Wilson; his grandchildren, who fondly called him “E,” Virginia Rabil, David Benson, and Mary Kate Dennis, all of Wilson, Julia Francis of Tulsa, Edward Fulford of Wilson, Brooke Fulford of Durham, McKenzie Henry of Morehead City, Addison Fulford of Wilson, Alexa Lefler of Maggie Valley, and Austin Cavas of Wilson; and his great-grandchildren, Thomas, Eli, and Katherine Rabil, Adleigh Dennis, Leighton Benson, Levi Tart, and Mary Parker and Hattie Lou Henry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Addison Fulford and Ruby P. Fulford.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Joyner's Funeral Home in Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Impact Church, PO Box 7242, Wilson, North Carolina 27895.

Eddie loved people, loved helping people, and always had an interesting story for anyone who would listen. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.