Thomas Carl Bullard

Thomas C. Bullard, Sr., Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Compa, and Viejo Dear put his body and mind to rest on Sunday, September 12, 2021, surrounded by most of his family. Tom, born in 1928 in Francis, Oklahoma, to Hugh and Stella (Eitzen) Bullard, was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Eual Ray Bullard. Tom enlisted in the Navy immediately after his 18th birthday and served on the USS Shangri-La and the USS Bairoko. He was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. One of Tom's fondest memories of the Navy was becoming a Golden Shellback. Golf was a lifelong passion of Tom's, so Tom became the course manager and golf-pro at the Big Lake country club in Big Lake, Texas, after leaving the Navy. Tom met the love of his life, Celia Espinoza, as a taxi driver in Las Cruces, NM. Tom and Celia married in 1960 and soon began building their family - "the mess" as Tom lovingly called his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their spouses. Tom is survived by three sons, Tom (Alisa) Bullard, Donald (Rebecca) Bullard, Brian (Leslie) Bullard, and one daughter, Marlene Bullard. Tom was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Jessica (Joe) Perez, Noelle (Andrew) Currier, Damian (Claire) Bullard, Kelsey (Alberto) Caballero, Brooke (fianc Chris) Bullard, Gabriel Bullard, Brandon (Kendrah) Bullard, Monique Salazar, Anthony Salazar, Alexander Bullard, Katherine Bullard, Brandon Nall, Amber (Marcus) Sanchez and Curtis Nunez and 15 great-grandchildren, Joseph and Jacob Perez, Matthew, Emma, and Ryan Currier, Abigail Bullard, Christian Thomas Caballero, Javier Gonzales, Kailey Nall, Abby and Brianna Sanchez, Curtis, Dylon, Connor, and Rebekah Nunez. Many adoring nieces and nephews also survive Tom. Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him as he had a significant impact on many lives throughout his 92 years. His wit and humor always kept everyone laughing and acting silly. He will be remembered for many things, especially for his welcoming demeanor, acceptance of everybody, and great love for his wife, Celia. So, until the time comes to meet again, "you-hooo" and "walk this way" Dad, Grandpa, Viejo Dear. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Las Cruces, New Mexico.