Willis Bunn "W.B." Bullock

ROCKY MOUNT – Willis Bunn “W.B.” Bullock, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Born in Martin County, NC on July 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Lewis Albert Bullock and Beulah Cowin Bullock. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lewis “Edward” Bullock, Atung Ward Bullock, and Rev. Ralph Ross Bullock; his sisters, Pauline Bullock Savage and Geraldine Bullock Donnell; and his brothers-in-law, Nick Swinson and Lin Smith. W.B. moved from Beargrass to Rocky Mount in 1959. He worked at Davenport Motors for several years, parts and service, then sales. After that, he embarked on a career in the Toyota business for about 12 years. Following that, he was an insurance agent and broker for several years. During that time, he married the love of his life and together, they had three sons. W.B. was a longtime member of Englewood United Methodist Church, he was very active and served on may boards and committees, chairing many of them. He was also a certified Lay Speaker. When the local grocery store saw him coming, they knew he came to service the well-known EUMM peanuts. W.B. was elected and served on the Rocky Mount City Council, serving Ward 6 from 2002 until his retirement in 2022. Among other things, he served as chairperson in the committee to build the Rocky Mount Veterans Memorial at Jack Laughery Park. The Memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 2007. After serving in the US Army, Army Reserves, and NC Army National Guard, W.B. retired with 42 years of dedicated service. They required him to retire at age 60. His rank at that time was Command Sergeant Major in the 230th Support Battalion, 30th Infantry Brigade. W.B. was a past president of the NC National Guard Association. He was a member of the American Post 58 in Rocky Mount. He continued to serve the Military Community by advising and assisting Veterans with various problems and assisted with military funerals and flag presentations. W.B.’s awards and decorations included: Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Devise, Army Achievement Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, US Army Meritorious Service Award, and Presidential Unit Citation Award. As a member of the Rocky Mount Evening Lions Club, W.B. enjoyed the fellowship and working on many worthwhile projects. He was also a member and past Master Mason of Queen City Lodge #602. W.B. enjoyed dealing with people and talking with everyone. When he met a stranger, they were not a stranger for long. He had long lasting friendships with his National Buard buddies, his golf buddies, and his weekly card buddies. A loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and dear friend to many, W.B. will be forever missed and never forgotten. W.B. is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mattie Jones Bullock; his sons, Doug Bullock of Rocky Mount, Jeff Bullock of Hickory, and Bob Bullock and wife, Jocelyn, Takoma Park, MD; his grandchildren, Zach Bullock and wife, Allison, Justin Bullock, and Jacob Bullock; his great-grandson, Decker Bullock; his sisters, Elizabeth “Lib” Bullock Swinson, Nancy Bullock Shonk and husband, Robert, and Janice Bullock Smith; special cousin, Mike Bullock and wife, Margaret; and numinous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of W.B.’s Life will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Nathan Wittman officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. A Private Family Burial of Cremains will take place at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in W.B.’s memory to Englewood United Methodist Men, PO Box 7128, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.