2014 Combined

and while in the service. I played two years on the Ft. Bliss Falcons base football team and we won the Fourth Army Championship my first year. "In 1956, I was invited with a friend, who was an All-American High School player named Earl Mills, to visit East Central. We both liked ECJC, and Coach Clayton Blount gave both of us a three-year scholarship. Earl had also not completed his senior year so we were both classified as high school players. In November of that same year, my wife and I were blessed with our first ch d a baby boy After three years at ECJC, I was offered a scholarship at Troy University, Hardin Simmons University and McNeese State I signed with McNeese."

Fulmer referred to his time at East Central as ·some of the best times of my life."

One particular incident - described as funny and usual - stands out during his football career.

'·Our quarterback Jerry Ha .....as o d oy Coach C ayton) Blount not to get caught scrambling and lose yardage, and to throw the ball away even ' rie naa to throw : to the guy in the front row in the red coat! Later in the game when Hall was about to get caught he actua 'i mrew ttie 'ootball to the 'guy in the red coat.' who had to duck but still got hit with the ball! Bob First who was the ass stant coach at the time. asked Jerry why the heck he threw the ball at the guy in the red coat and Jerry rep ea Because Coach Blount told me to."' Fulmer who he pea eac "s _a.., er H gri Scroo :earn to the 1950 Alabama High School State Football Championship, said beat ng -scoooa wri e a rriember of the 1956 Warrior squad was just as memorable! In addition to the 13-7 win over Scooba" (East M1ss1ss1pp1). the Warriors posted victories that year over Northwest (20-6) Itawamba 120-1t.) and Northeast (forfeit) Losses were to Co-Lin (27-12), Holmes (14-0), Delta (26-19), Hinds (14-12) Pear R ver 20-6) and Jones County (46-15) The 1957 squad went 2-6-2 with wins over Holmes (12-7) and Jones County (12-6), ties with East MS (7-7) and Co-Lin (20-20). and setbacks to Delta (6-0), Hinds (45-0), Southwest (14-7). East MS (20-6), Itawamba (39-13)and Pearl River (53-0) (The second contest with East MS was played in Meridian.) Fulmer and the Warriors finished 7-4 in 1958, capturing victories over East MS (14-12). Northwest (6-0). Holmes (14 0) De ta 2t.-0 Hinds (36-18). Itawamba (18-0) and Jones County (8-6) Losses were to Co-Lin (12-6), Southwest (24-6). East MS (20-6) and Pearl River (14-8). "The faculty and the administration of East Central took a genuine interest in each student, and you knew they had your best interest at heart; plus, just living in Decatur was a pleasure. The small town atmosphere along with the wonderful people was something I will always treasure." He further commented, "I cherish all the teachers I had and the many friends I made there that I still visit from time to time I also enjoy coming to Decatur for EC's Homecoming each year." During his time in Decatur, Fulmer also coached Little League baseball with Clayton Blount. Fulmer said team members "included Joe Blount at catcher, Kenny Blount at shortstop, and 'Blue' Blount's son at third base. Melton Smith at pitcher, and many other outstanding young athletes." Fulmer added, "Some of my earliest sales experiences came from selling 'Blount Hair and Scalp Conditioner to my dad's barbershop in Montgomery, Ala." Fulmer continued his athletic career by playing semi-pro football with the Montgomery Confederates in the North American Football League. In 1960, Fulmer began his career as sales and office manager.@for Gilpin Brokerage Company, a position held until 1965. when he became president of Teena Originals Furniture In 1967, he began Richard L. Fulmer Associates and Fulmer has fond memories of his time at EC and living in Decatur.