Obituary of Jerry Lee Bullard

Bullard, Jerry L., 70 of Tampa, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2009. He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, father and grandfather. He loved much and was muched loved and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerald and Nelle Bullard. He is survived by his wife, Aundria of 24 years and their adopted grandson, Randy along with his extended family of stepchildren and grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 daughter, Shelly Woods; son-in-law, Randy; 2 grandsons, Skyler and Casey; 1 son, Jerry Bullard; 1 sister, Sue Shoesmith; 2 half brothers, Jim and Dave Bullard; 1 half sister Shirley Brown; 1 step sister, Delores Dillerman and many nieces and nephews. He loved all his family, biological or not. Jerry was born in Olney, IL where he grew up and graduated from Richland H.S. in 1956. He enlisted in the Marines for 3 years and continued serving his country in the Air Force for another 18 years. During his time in the military he married Kay Green and they had 2 children; one son, Jerry and one daughter, Shelly with whom he would later gain a loving son-in-law, Randy and two grandsons, Skyler and Casey. He was a born leader and teacher as he distinguished himself by meritorious service commendations in the administrative fields and the Contract Engineering Administration. As Technical Sergeant he contributed greatly to the accomplishment of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing mission in Southeast Asia. He loved education and always strived to expand his knowledge, especially in the field of psychology. He received his bachelors and became an associate professor at California Community College. He had been stationed all over the United States including 5 years in Okinawa with his family before transferring to MacDill Air Force Base in 1973. While in Okinawa he became involved with the locals teaching English, making jewelry and writing a book on tourism. After moving to Tampa, he divorced, then married his second wife, Darlene and gained two step daughters, Kristi and Kim with whom he later gained two grandsons, Shane and Mason, respectively. He retired from MacDill in 1976 and went on to earn his Masters in Psychology from USF in 1977. He moved his new family to Texas, then on to Ionia, MI. He fell in love with theater and starred in many productions and served as Vice President of the Ionia Community Theater. He was Director of the Ionia County Historical Society and elected Chairman of the Ionia County Republican Party. He unsuccessfully ran for city council, the school board and state representative. Because he cared so much about education and the elderly he continued to volunteer many hours for his community. He would later divorce and move back to Tampa, FL. Never giving up on love, he eventually met his third wife, Aundria, gaining 3 grown step sons, Rusty, Randy and Billy with whom he would later gain 5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Jerry and Aundria ended up adopting their first grandchild, Randy. He worked for the Florida Mental Health Institute until he retired in 1999. He enjoyed going to theater productions, collecting antiques, attending auctions, researching genealogy, dancing and attending comedy shows. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Loyless Funeral Home with full military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Memorial donations may be made to Hernando/Pasco Hospice or Johnny B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimers Center at USF. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers shortly after his retirement. This was devastating to him because the disease would eventually take over his brain, the one thing he cherished most and would continually exercise. The fear of losing his memory and being a burden to his family weighed on his heart. He was very brave in dealing with this. I am so proud to be his daughter. His final years were lived at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Home in Land’O Lakes. I want to thank the staff, nurses and cna’s for the wonderful care they provided. I especially want to thank Hernando/Pasco Hospice nurses, Chaplain Tom Marshall, Chaplain Dick Fischer and Kim Little for being there for me and my dad during the past couple of years. Hospice is a wonderful organization, you are truly invaluable. God Bless you all, Shelly