Danny Ray Fulkerson

Danny Ray Fulkerson, born the youngest of 6 to Harold Walter Fulkerson and Kathleen Elizabeth McCoy in San Diego, CA on June 29, 1947 peacefully passed on August 1st, 2023 in San Diego, CA. He was known for his athleticism, booming voice, curiosity, intelligence, and joy. He was truly one of a kind. Growing up in San Diego, he regularly biked to the beach to surf, worked in his father’s flower shop, and even worked on the car ferry to Coronado before the bridge was built. As a rare 4th generation San Diegan, family connections and heritage were important to him. He maintained meaningful connections to cousins across the country. Danny was an avid football player for Kearny High School, a tackle for the regional all star team, and received a full ride scholarship to Stanford University. He attended for one year before enlisting in the US Air Force in 1967. He served as a parachute rigger and completed his service in 1971. His skills for spatial organization, sewing, ping pong, and billiards remained with him for life. After completing service, he enrolled at Coleman College to become an early computer programmer and demonstrated great prowess, acing his courses including Assembler. He worked in the construction industry as a programmer for many years, including for John Burnham Company, Bradco Corp, and as a consultant for Poway and Helix Water Districts. Danny married Jane Mappus Brents in 1970. They had two children, son Brian and daughter Tracy. Danny was enthusiastically committed to his role as father and extended that love to his nephew Paul. He celebrated the success and growth of all young people in his life, actively encouraging kids to follow their dreams. He maintained a great passion for singing and music. He was an active member of many choirs through the years. He shared his appreciation with all he met and had an eclectic range from jazz to rock to blues to country to classical and spiritual. At one time he had a collection of over 15 feet of albums! He explored the National Parks, loved the outdoors, and mind puzzles. Faith was an anchor for Danny’s journey through life, and he found a spiritual home at Our Lady of Grace Church in El Cajon, CA. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Thursday morning prayer group, always grateful for the support and friendship he received. In retirement, he became active in the Shakespeare Society of San Diego, finding community and even debuting his acting career. He enjoyed participating in readings and loved learning how to improve his performance skills. He stayed connected to Kearny High School Alumni and was a fixture at alumni events. His big laugh and huge presence has left a void for all who loved him. We will greatly miss the big bearded man in overalls. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold W. and Kathleen, and his siblings Harold R., Charles, Colleen, and Don. He is survived by his children, Brian and Tracy, sister Lynn, nephew Paul, and his grandniece Katelyn, who he delighted in watching grow and play (especially in his beard!) He is also survived by a wonderful network of cousins who’s regular phone calls and check-ins brought him immense joy. To honor Danny’s legacy in lieu of flowers the family requests: Those that are able, please donate blood to your local blood bank. Danny donated over 8 gallons in his lifetime. Gifts in his name to the Kearny High School Alumni Association: https://kearnyhighalumnistore.square.site/ Gifts in his name to the Shakespeare Society of San Diego: https://sandiegoshakespearesociety.org/donate/ Gifts in his name: OLG Knights of Columbus 8879 P.O. Box 19004 San Diego, CA. 92159

Danny Ray Fulkerson

June 29, 1947 - August 1, 2023