Raleigh James Fullen Raleigh James Fullen passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born on May 22, 1941, in Douglas, Arizona, to Samuel James Fullen and Rosemary Fuller, the “only mother” he ever knew. 

Raleigh was the eldest of three sons. His brothers, Samuel Fullen Jr. and Robert “Bobby” Fullen. Some of Raleigh’s fondest memories were of summers spent in Cananea, Sonora, Rosemary’s birthplace, where he played baseball with his brothers and extended family. 

After graduating from Douglas High School in 1960, Raleigh enlisted in the United States Navy for a four-year term. He served as an aircraft mechanic’s assistant and was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. 

Raleigh was married four times. For those of you who are not math majors, he would technically be considered the common denominator. He was the father of children from his first and second marriages, and family remained an important part of his life. 

Professionally, Raleigh spent approximately 15 years working as a pipefitter for Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation, where his coworkers affectionately knew him as “El Alacran.” He left Phelps Dodge during a major labor strike in the early 1980s and went on to work as a plumber for Bud Baxter’s Plumbing, later Roy Clark’s Plumbing, where he remained until his retirement. 

Retirement did not mean sitting still for Raleigh. He went on to work briefly for Ace Hardware (B&D Lumber of Douglas), the Douglas Unified School District, and as the Range Master at the Douglas Shooting Range. 

Raleigh had many passions, but among his prized possessions was his 1974 Chevrolet Cheyenne, powered by a 454 big block and painted proudly in red, white, and blue. He affectionately named it “The Patriotic,” a fitting reflection of both the truck and the man who owned it. 

A talented musician, Raleigh was perhaps best known throughout the community for his guitar playing and his love of country music. Over the years, he played with a number of local bands, most notably “The Sundowners” and “Steve Dunagan Jr.,” performing at venues throughout Cochise County. Music was not simply a pastime for Raleigh—it was one of the ways he connected with people and left his mark on the community. 

Raleigh was also a skilled shootist and devoted outdoorsman. Of all the places and pursuits he enjoyed, hunting Coues whitetail deer held a special place in his heart. His skill and reputation as a hunter were honored in a particularly fitting way when a ridge in the Peloncillo Mountains was named “Raleigh’s Ridge” after him. 

Raleigh was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Rosemary Fullen; and his brothers, Samuel Fullen Jr. and Robert “Bobby” Fullen. 

He is survived by his children: Lori Chamberlin of Bordentown, New Jersey; Sandee (Val) McClay of Homer, Alaska; Audra (William) Boldt of Waldport, Oregon; Kraig (Maria) Fullen of Douglas, Arizona; and Kristee Fullen of Homer, Alaska. 

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shawn, Shannon, Symphony, Corey, Adrien, Hope, Lauren, and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Sophia and Ezra; and nieces and nephews, Samuel (Daisy) Fullen III, Shawn Fullen, Laurisa (David) Laws, Glenys Fullen, and Rebecca Fullen. 

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Haven Health of Douglas and Casa de la Paz of Sierra Vista for the care and compassion they provided to Raleigh; and to Brown & Page Mortuary for his final arrangements. 

In accordance with Raleigh’s wishes, no services were held. 

Raleigh lived a life full of family, music, hard work, the outdoors, and more than a little bit of character. He will be remembered for his guitar, his “Patriotic,” his love of hunting, his humor, and the many stories he left behind.