Northeast Georgians are planning a hero’s homecoming for a Toccoa war veteran who disappeared in battle nearly seven decades ago.
U.S. Army Corporal Terrell J. Fuller was just 20 years old when he was listed as missing in action following a battle with Chinese forces in South Korea in 1951. It was later reported he was captured and killed.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in Hawaii identified his remains in April. Next week his remains will be returned home to Georgia and, when they are, homecoming organizers hope to have crowds lining the streets to welcome Cpl. Fuller home.
Homecoming procession
Cpl. Fuller’s remains are due to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta at 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 9th. A hearse escorted by a military honor guard and law enforcement will carry his remains home to Toccoa.
The homecoming procession will travel through Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinnett, Hall, Habersham, and Stephens counties.
The procession will travel north on I-85 to GA 985 to GA 365 then turn left onto US 123 at the Jeannette Jamieson intersection at the Toccoa Bypass. From there it will proceed to Currahee, Broad, Doyle, and Pond Streets.
Organizers say they aren’t exactly sure what time the procession will arrive in downtown Toccoa, but they expect people will start lining the streets around 9 a.m.
“We have plans to place flags on both sides of Doyle Street in Toccoa,” says local volunteer organizer Joann Raybon. “We also have 1,000 small hand held flags to pass out.”
The homecoming committee issued these suggested guidelines for those who want to participate:
- Bring a chair to wait if there are delays.
- Offer a chair to elderly veterans who might attend.
- Stand quietly and respectfully.
- Allow veterans to stand in front.
- Bring an umbrella in case it rains. Come even if it rains.
Habersham tribute
In Habersham County, the local VFW and Cornelia Fire Department are planning a special tribute from the US 441 Business overpass in Cornelia. The fire department will drape an American flag from its ladder truck. The honor guard from Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 will salute Fuller as his homecoming procession passes by.
The VFW will pass out hand-held flags furnished by Now Habersham to members of the public who want to join in the tribute.
The VFW and fire department held a similar tribute four months ago when a procession carrying the remains of WWII Navy Seaman Frank Wood passed through Habersham.
VFW Post 7720 Commander Bill Miles says it’s an honor to welcome fellow veterans home.
“It’s one of our brothers and sisters coming home. It’s a chance to give them the proper burial they deserve and have earned so they can rest in peace,” he says. “Most importantly it’s closure for that family.
Public visitation and burial
The family invites the public to a attend a special visitation at the funeral home on August 10th. It will be held from 4-7 p.m. at Acree- Davis Funeral Home located at 90 South Pond Street in Toccoa.
Then, on August 11th, on what would have been his 88th birthday, Cpl. Fuller will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Stephens Memorial Gardens. His burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. Homecoming organizers encourage people to stand along Big A Rd in Toccoa as the corporal is escorted to his final resting place.
“In 1951 Army Cpl. Terrell Fuller made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please come show your respect for our hero as he comes home to his final resting place,” says Raybon. “It is the least we can do.”
For more information on homecoming plans contact [email protected] or call Joann Raybon at 706-491-3195.
