Kimbrell, Fuller

First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Hobbies: Gardening and reading
Family Status: Widowed after 63 years of marriage to Reba; two children, James Donald and Cynthia Ann (deceased)

Fuller Kimbrell, who turned 100 years old in June, has written three books in the past decade: “From the Farm House to the State House,” “It Made a Difference” and “You Won’t Believe It but It’s So.” In 1946, Kimbrell was elected to the Alabama Senate and was the only elected senator who did not have a college degree.

Q: What was your childhood like?
A: I was raised on a farm. My father was a Baptist preacher. I seldom missed a Sunday in church or Sunday School.

Q: How did you come to know the Lord?
A: On the first week in August, it was customary for Bethabara (Baptist Church, near Berry) to have revival. Our pastor, who lived in Fayette, would ride the train and preach on Saturday night and Sunday. He was doing the preaching on Monday night. His sermon was based on the story of the two disciples that asked if they could sit on the right and left of Jesus in heaven. Jesus answered by saying, “If any man would be great, let him serve.” I accepted Christ that night (at the age of 12). … I joined the church and was baptized the following Sunday in a little creek called Cane Creek.

Q: How were you involved in church through the years?
A: I think that I can safely say that I was a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. … In 1951, I served as a member of the [State Board of Missions] executive [committee].

Q: How have churches changed over the years?
A: Churches are a little more political and not quite as concerned about the less fortunate and people in need.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in church in the future?
A: At 100 years old, I hope that I will be able to continue church and Sunday School. … I have rarely missed a Sunday in 60 years.