Fulton Stutts

Robert “Fulton” Stutts passed away on September 09, 2019 after a long illness. He was 85 years old. Fulton was born on November 19, 1933 in St. Joseph—just outside of Lawrenceburg. He lived in Wrigley (Hickman County) at the time of his death. In his younger years, Fulton was a well-known mechanic—owning several garages and service stations before moving to Nashville to become a line mechanic at Capitol Chevrolet. He very quickly worked through the ranks and served as the Service Manager for over 35 years. He was widely known as the guy who could diagnose problems that other mechanics couldn’t. He had a wide variety of loyal customers who insisted that “Stutts” look their car over—from Ray Blanton to Porter Waggoner. During Fulton’s reign at Capitol, the service area was a center of activity. His mechanics were extremely loyal...their lunches were legendary. To this day there is still a considerable mystery behind the meeting between Fulton and Roger Penske in the service tower, but he never talked. He never officially “retired”, and continued working until his illness. He renovated many homes and took pride in managing his fleet of rental properties. He was a benchmark in the local racing community. Stutts founded a racing team in 1961 that is still active today. Over 30 different drivers have won races in his cars…..including Donnie Kaylor, Paul “Fat Boy” Ryman, Ray Jenkins, Carl Langford, Kenneth Borgman, Butch Eades, Pepper Newby, Mike Grissom, Moe Harrison, and James Climer. He teamed up with Climer in 1971 and orchestrated their magical season. In 1971 alone they won 55 feature races, 5 track championships, and set several track records. They also landed the very first corporate sponsorship in this area. Over the years, his cars have competed on over 50 different racetracks...amassed 392 feature wins as well as 1,175+ top 3 finishes. Many credit Stutts with setting the standard for the successful local racer. He could do it all….plan the car...build the car...build the engine...set the car up...secure a sponsor...hire the best driver available...and then go win a race...and a championship. He will be missed by many. Visitation: 4-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2019 & Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at Spann Funeral Home. Funeral Service: for Mr. Stutts will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019 from the chapel of Spann Funeral Home with Bro. J. J. King, Bro. Tom Jansto officiating and Jimmy Ray Mathis giving the eulogy. Interment: Wrigley Community Cemetery Survivors: Wife: Mary Stutts of Lyles, TN 2 Sons: Robert Stutts of Nashville, TN Jeff Stutts (Tammy) of Murfreesboro, TN 1 Daughter: Vicki Dillehay (Bo) of White Bluff, TN 2 Stepsons: John Bryant (Melody) of Dickson, TN Steve Deal (Kay) of Charlotte, Tn 12 Grandchildren: 12 Great Grandchildren 2 Great Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by: Parents: Robert & Rachel Bradley Stutts