OZARK…Mr. John A. Bull (Master Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died Thursday, March 26, 2026. He was 82.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 6, 2026, in the Ozark Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mr. Larry Hicks. Graveside services, with full military honors and Masonic Rites, will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360 or to Carroll High School Band Boosters, Carroll Band, 141 Eagle Way, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Bull, son of the late Ward David Bull and Melva Maryanne Bailey Bull, was born on June 18, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Though his life began in the hills of West Virginia, he grew up under the wide California sky in Gustine, where he learned early the value of hard work, loyalty, and looking after the people you love. Those qualities stayed with him for the rest of his life.
In June of 1961, he answered a calling larger than himself and joined the United States Army. What followed was a remarkable twenty‑two‑year career marked by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. He served two tours in Vietnam, one tour in Korea, and two tours in Germany—each one shaping him, challenging him, and deepening his commitment to the men and women who served beside him. His service was recognized through numerous awards, including seven Good Conduct Medals, a Bronze Star with “V” Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, two Unit Presidential Citations, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Gold Army Recruiter Badge with three Sapphires, and the coveted Gold Recruiter Ring. In 1976, he was named the Army’s Recruiter of the Year—an honor that reflected not only his skill, but the genuine care he had for helping young people find their path.
He retired as a Master Sergeant, carrying with him the respect of those who served under him and alongside him. His military career was long and decorated, but he never wore his accomplishments with prideful weight. Instead, he carried them quietly, humbly, as part of a life lived with purpose.
In October of 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty O. Andrews. Their marriage was a true partnership—steady, joyful, and filled with the kind of love that anchors a family. She preceded him in death, but the devotion they shared remained a guiding force in his life. He spoke of her often, with tenderness and gratitude, and he carried her memory with him in everything he did.
After retiring from the Army, he began a second career with Alfa Insurance Corporation, where he worked for several years before retiring once again in 1997. Retirement didn’t slow him down for long; he later joined the team at Gilland Chevrolet in Ozark, where he enjoyed staying active, meeting people, and being part of a community he cared deeply about.
Mr. Bull was a fun‑loving soul with a warm laugh and a personality that drew people in. He loved people—truly loved them—and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued. He was a devoted family man, the kind who showed up, who listened, who supported, and who loved without hesitation. His family knew they could count on him, and his friends knew the same. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna M. Moore.
He was a proud member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge in Skipperville and the Disabled American Veterans Post #94 in Ozark. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he was a member of Ozark Baptist Church, where he found fellowship and comfort.
Those who knew him will remember his kindness, his humor, his steady presence, and the way he lived his life with integrity and heart. He served his country with honor, his family with devotion, and his community with generosity. His legacy is one of service, love, and a life lived fully and well.
Surviving relatives include his son, Nicky Bull (Jesse), Ozark; two grandsons, John Francis Bull and Andrew Wyatt Bull; sister, Phyllis Pacheco, Newman, California; many nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Johnny German, Mark Blankenship, Raymond Hart, Stanley Enfinger, Frank Wyatt, and Mike Barefield.
