Charles Ray “Chuck” Fugate
Charles R. “Chuck” Fugate 63, of 520 Bendle Ave., Shelby, died Friday morning, March 15, 2002 at his home after a 1 1/2 year battle with cancer. He was born October 14, 1938 in Jackson, Breathitt County, KY the son of the late Robert and lona (Cornett) Fugate.
A man with many talents and interests, Chuck considered himself first and foremost an educator, always keeping his love for his students first in mind. He was a graduate of Breathitt High School and Lee’s Junior College in Jackson KY. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Ashland College and Masters of Education degree from Kent State University. He began his career in public education in 1957 in Crestline, where he taught 6th grade. He also began a coaching career as a basketball, track, and gymnastics coach.
He came to Shelby in 1964 where he was a principal for 33 years. He formed the student council at the Junior High, began Washington, DC trips and an all-boys first grade at Central Elementary. He moved to Auburn Elementary and started The Geselle Institute, a special kindergarten program. He moved to Dowds Elementary and started a reading recovery program before being asked to Administrate two elementary schools–Russell and Dowds–simultaneously. During his tenure of serving all public elementary schools in Shelby, he also served as chairman of various committees in the school district. While in Shelby he coached girls gymnastics, leading the SHS team to 5 district championships. He also started a Gymnastics Camp at Ashland College.
After his retirement from public education, he worked as an Adjunct Professor in the Education Department of Ashland University.
Known as “BigChuk” in local square dance clubs, Chuck was the past President of Shelby Cloverleafs Dance Club. He was a club caller and instructor, a member of the American Callers Association, having received a “Master of the Mikes” diploma from Midwest Callers College in Auburn, Indiana.
Chuck was honored by the State of Kentucky by the awarding of “Kentucky Colonel Status”. He was a life member of the Ohio and National Education Associations, and the Ohio and National Associations of Elementary School Principals. He was a member of Kappa Delta Pi honor society and AARP.
During his illness, Chuck went out and shared his Christian Faith with many people, telling his story to many congregations. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the taped ministry team.
Chuck will be sadly missed by his wife, Barbara (Lovett) Fugate whom he married on August 26, 1961; his sons and daughter-in-law: Chip and Heidi (Oesch) Fugate of Reading, PA; and Robert Fugate of Cincinnati; his daughter and son-in-law: Ursula and Taylor Schenone of Chicago, IL; and one grandson: Jason Fugate of Reading, PA. Also surviving are 2 brothers: Robert Fugate, Jr. of Cincinnati, and Fred Cohen Fugate of Jackson, KY; 7 sisters: Edna Oaks and Lucy Pendleton of Cincinnati, Glenda Sue Back of Lexington, KY; Viola Feltner, Chelsea Marie Cornett, Brenda Joyce Miller, and Sandra Ann Fugate all of Jackson KY; his mother-in-law, Jean Lovett of Shelby, 1 brother-in law: Gary Lovett of Reading, MI; 2 sisters-in-law: Carolyn Martin of Corning NY; and
Christie Sanzi of Jackson, MI; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by 1 brother, Edward Fugate and 2 sisters, Mary Fugate and Betty Jo Collins.
Friends may call on Sunday, March 17 from 2-4 PM and 6-9 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 W. Main St., Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Monday March 18 at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church; the Reverand Jeff Matthews will officiate. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Med Central Cancer Care Unit, Med Central Hospice, First United Methodist Church or Shelby Education Association Scholarship Fund.