William J. Fuqua, Jr., Usaf Major (Ret.)

William J. Fuqua Jr., USAF Major (retired), a 77-year-old native and former resident of Mobile, Alabama, and longtime resident of Centerville/Warner Robins, Georgia, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022. Major Fuqua was a 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force, during which time he received many distinguished awards. These awards included four Air Medals, completed 77 combat missions over Vietnam, several Meritorious Service awards, an Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 devices, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Major Fuqua was a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, Nuclear Weapons Orientation, Weapons Controller qualification, and numerous other AF training courses.

After retirement from the Air Force, he flew for Continental Airlines, where as an Airline Captain, he flew Airbus A- 300s, MD-80's, and six different models of the Boeing 737. He completed his flying career in 2004 after 39 years, amassing over 14,000 flying hours in 14 different aircraft. During his flying career, he helped improve the quality and professionalism of the pilot force in the Air Force and the commercial aviation industry.

Mr. Fuqua received his BS degree from the University of Alabama where he was a member of the Million Dollar Band, serving as Drum Major for three years and earned dual Master’s Degrees from Golden Gate University. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Ocmulgee Chapter, Macon, GA, serving as their President and Registrar. He was a long-time member of Central Baptist Church, charter member of the Centerville Rotary Club, Daedalian Military Society of Aviators, and actively participated in youth sports as a coach and official in three states for many years. He was also a member of The American Legion.

Mr. Fuqua was preceded in death by his daughter, Sondra Dianne Fuqua; parents, William J. Fuqua, Sr. and Marjorie Denmark Fuqua; and his grandparents. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 and a half years, Dianne; beloved son, Bill (Susan); his precious grandchildren, Jackson and Anna Kate; his beloved shelties; and many agility friends.

Mr. Fuqua’s family will receive friends on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. CST at Johns-Ridout’s Mortuary – Elmwood Chapel in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Fuqua will be laid to rest with a graveside funeral service in Elmwood Cemetery following visitation at 11:00 a.m. CST.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.