Surrounded by his family, Dr. Fulton W. Buntain, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, and friend to all, entered the presence of Jesus on June 9, 2012. Known literally around the world as a man of character, wisdom, good humor, humility and warmth, Fulton Buntain embodied his personal conviction that “the better you love, the better you live.” After 86 years on this earth, this great man has finished the race and completed a life well-loved and well-lived. He was a leader of leaders. He was a friend to the outcast. He was a speaker of life. He was a faithful servant of God.
In 1965, Fulton accepted the senior pastorate of First Assembly of God in Tacoma, Washington and began what would become his life’s defining work. Life Center was Fulton Buntain’s ministry for over 47 years, as Senior Pastor until 2006 and then Pastor Emeritus. With a strong vision and unwavering faith, Pastor Buntain built far more than just brick and mortar on the grounds of 18th and Union. He built generations of men and women who knew what it meant to love God and love people because they grew up watching Fulton Buntain live it. Over and over, Pastor Buntain never failed to offer Jesus’ truth, forgiveness, and love to anyone who sought it. Where most saw barren, broken, or beyond hope, he envisioned purpose, passion, and potential.
Nowhere did he invest more passion than in the Pierce County community. During his time in Tacoma, he built Life Center Church, and then rebuilt it after it was destroyed by a fire in 1975. He also founded and built Life Manor Retirement Community and Life Christian Academy. Today, all stand in the heart of Tacoma as trusted places of acceptance and hope. He was also the creator of and speaker for the television show Introduction to Life, which aired locally and nationally for over 35 years. He served on the board at St. Joseph Medical Center and participated in countless community groups and projects. Through whatever means possible, Pastor Buntain was deeply committed to serving this city and sharing life with everyone he met.
Although his home and ministry were in Tacoma, Washington, Fulton’s work truly extended around the world. As a founder of Mission of Mercy in Calcutta and KTBW—which later became Trinity Broadcasting Network—he launched and supported hundreds of missions outreaches around the world. From greatest to least, Fulton truly lived his belief that it’s all about people. Fulton Buntain’s wisdom, tenacity, generous spirit and unbreakable faith will be indelibly marked for generations in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him. His impact will never be truly quantified on this earth.
Fulton is survived by his wife Lorraine, and his children Robyn, Kathie, and Michelle, and by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His son, Tim, welcomed him in heaven.
Thank you for your love and support of the Buntain family during this time. For updates and information, please visit lifecentertacoma.com.