Edward Jake Fulwiley

Edward Jake Fulwiley was born on Thursday, August 14, 1952, in Louisville, Mississippi, to the late Billy James Fulwiley and Aruth (Shell) Fulwiley. Edward graduated from William Penn High School, Class of 1970, where he excelled as an athlete and served as Captain of the High School’s Basketball Team, proudly helping lead them to win the 1970 Championship. He continued his studies at Towson State College in Towson, Maryland, and later attended the University of Phoenix in San Francisco, California. His work ethic and determination carried him into a long and meaningful career. He made history as the first African American to serve as a Day Tower Operator for Conrail, a milestone that reflected not only his dedication but the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He then moved to California and joined the San Francisco Transportation Agency, “Muni,” where he worked for nearly 30 years until his retirement. He later established Jake’s Produce Company, where he sold fresh produce. After moving back to Harrisburg, he was then employed by Budget Car Sales in Harrisburg. Edward accepted Christ and, in later years, united in Christian fellowship at Camp Curtin Mitchell United Methodist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Kurtz. In his leisure, he enjoyed spending time with his family and cracking jokes. He always had a nickname for everyone. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed trash-talking with family and friends. On Monday, November 17, 2025, while at UPMC Osteopathic, Edward peacefully transitioned from time to eternity at seventy-three years of age. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy Benton Fulwiley and Father Billy James Fulwiley. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his mother, Aruth Fulwiley; his children, Weslee Hill, Sonya Fulwiley, Martell Banks, Steven Richell; ex-wife, Renee Dupree; siblings, Bobby Joe Fulwiley (Apell), Audrey McCraw (Lonnie), and Cheryl Fulwiley; his grandchildren Diamond, Dallas, Amelia, Adriana, Edward Maxwell, Ava and Gary; great-grandchildren Eddie, Kha’Lon and Dream; best friends James Blackwell and Ernie Wilkerson and his “side kick,” cousin Ben Collier, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 2, at WFD.

Tributes

Edward Jake Fulwiley

August 14, 1952 - November 17, 2025