January 22, 2024, 78, Bucklesberry —

March 19, 1945 – January 22, 2024

Barry Reid Fulcher, 78, entered into life eternal with his Lord on January 22, 2024. Barry was born in Carteret County to the late Homer and Margaret Fulcher on March 19, 1945. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Karen Sue Fulcher; and his father-in-law, Chester Hooten.

Beginning his career with J.P. Stevens in Wallace, Barry later went on to work with Texfi. After their closing, he returned to the coast where he worked in commercial fishing for two years. Following this, he began a tenure with Caswell Center as the safety officer, retiring after more than twenty years in service. Many of those years were spent living in Kinston in the Castle Oaks community. The shop in the backyard was filled with woodworking tools where Barry utilized his craftsmanship making furniture or décor and framing pictures. As evidenced by the many trees and bushes planted in their yard, Barry had a green thumb and loved to watch things grow. With a few railroad ties and a small tiller, he started a garden in the backyard where he tried his hand at raising vegetables. He soon determined that he had the skill and know-how to make that a success, too.

In 1998, Barry and Karen Sue fulfilled a longtime dream of hers to return home to the family farm in Bucklesberry. Surrounded by the love of family and the availability of land, Barry’s gardening grew. Never one to plant a few of anything, his large gardens were filled with rows of peas, hundreds of cabbages and collards, and bushels of potatoes. Just about anything he planted produced in abundance, and he shared his harvest with friends and family near and far. Grape vines, pear and apple trees, and blueberry and blackberry bushes completed his array of produce.

When their son, Timothy, was in high school, the two began cutting a few yards as a side business to save some money for college tuition. With Barry at Timothy’s side, this small business blossomed into Fulcher’s Lawn and Garden Service. Through all the years, Barry’s investment in his family has been evidenced by his daily work, contributing to the success of the business since day one.

Invested deeply in his family, Barry’s day-to-day life was centered around the events going on with his grandchildren. They were indeed his primary source of joy, and nothing was better than stopping in first thing for a cup of coffee, the daily trek to drop them off at school, the mid-day check-ins with Brooke and Todd, and the evening visits at their home. Chester Reid looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with Barry; he wasn’t just Grandaddy, he was his best friend. Addie Jo was the only granddaughter and had Barry wrapped around her little finger. Barry was the perfect sitter for Todd, as the two traveled the farm on the gator or played in the yard. After the death of Karen Sue, Barry initiated a yearly barbecue around her birthday to celebrate a life well-lived and made sure to mention her name at family gatherings as often as they met. From words to actions, Barry’s love of family was evident in it all.

Willing to take a stand for what was right, Barry’s integrity could not be compromised. He was full of wisdom and of one of upstanding character. His word was as good as his deed, for you could depend on him doing what he said he would do.

With a dry sense of humor, Barry’s wittiness was a trait that could keep you in stitches. From the way he pronounced certain words to the phrases he’d use to describe situations, Barry’s way with words kept a smile on your face. Even when he was fussing, there was plenty of humor involved. When something caught his attention, you didn’t have to guess where he stood on the matter. Instantaneously, his view would be expressed. And, as always, you’d get a little chuckle.

Wanting to maintain the traditions of the past, Barry had a deep love for the old way of doing things. He and Karen Sue were the perfect pair to continue these traditions. From the vegetables he raised and the fruit he grew, Karen Sue canned, pickled, and preserved it all. In later years, Barry remodeled an old smokehouse where he cured hams, dried sausage, and smoked side meat. He enjoyed talking to old timers and learning their ways, always eager to gain knowledge and continue the legacy.

Though Bucklesberry became home, Barry remained deeply connected to his roots at the coast. As often as possible, he’d travel down to Stacy to visit with friends and family, always carrying a load of whatever was coming off in the garden. An exceptional duck hunter, he enjoyed many hunting trips at the coast with his brother, Keith. Just as he loved learning the skills of the generations before, he poured his knowledge into his son and grandchildren, making sure they learned the lessons from his childhood, such as how to gig flounder, dig for clams, and duck hunt.

A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at the Sutton Family Cemetery on Sutton Hooten Road at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024. The family will receive friends following the service.

Barry is survived by his son, Timothy Fulcher, and wife, Brooke; grandchildren, Chester Reid Fulcher, Addie Jo Fulcher, Todd Anderson Fulcher, and a soon-arriving grandson; siblings, Patricia Bolger, Jennifer Curtin, and husband, John, Beverly Styron and husband, Dickie; and Keith Fulcher and wife, Teresa; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Phillips and husband, Charles and Sandra Cromer; brother-in-law, Bryan Hooten, and wife, Amy; mother-in-law, Ruth Ellen Hooten; along with a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Memorials may be made to

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.