William Edsel Bullard, 91, passed away peacefully at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Bacon County Hospital.
Mr. Bullard was born in a farmhouse in Appling County on November 9, 1931, delivered by a midwife to Willie Gary Bullard and Maggie Patterson Bullard. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 68 years, Kathleen Bowen Bullard; brothers, Jimmy, Kenneth, and Carroll; and sisters, Eris and Laura Ethel. Mr. Bullard was a retired ironworker with Local Union 597 Jacksonville and a master mason since 1962, Scottish Rite and member of the Shriners. He was also a proud member of Red Oak Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughter, Sheila (Joe) Murphy of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; son, Neal (Dana) Bullard of Middleburg, Florida; grandchildren, Zac Murphy, Lexi Bullard, and Gabriel Bullard; and brothers, Wendell Bullard and Royce Bullard. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Ross and Rev. Robbie Gill officiating.
Active pallbearers were Lamar Deen, Hollis Bullard, Curtis Taylor, Mike Kistner, Corey Taylor, and Corbett Bowen.
Honorary pallbearers were the members of Red Oak Baptist Church and Community.
Musical selections were rendered by David Williams and Gabe Bullard.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.