Jerry Keith Bullard

Jerry Keith BullardSylacauga, AL - Funeral service for Jerry Keith Bullard, 53, will be Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Sardis Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Hardy and Bro. Tim Hughes officiating.  He will lie in state one hour before the service begins. Burial will be in Sardis Baptist Cemetery in Rockford, AL. Visitation is Tuesday March 15, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home.After several brave and valiant battles with serious health conditions over the past twenty years, on March 13, 2016, Jerry Keith Bullard made heaven his home. As a former teacher, coach, and principal, Keith’s devotion to the children of Coosa County was only surpassed by his devotion to his wife, children, grandson, parents, sisters, in-laws, and friends, and most especially his devotion to his Lord, Jesus. The tears shed by his loved ones are twofold-for the emptiness felt without him here and the joy of knowing we will share eternity in heaven with him one day.Born April 25, 1962 to Jerry and Elizabeth (Sims) Bullard, Keith was the oldest of three children. Not only did he enjoy playing, coaching, and watching sports, he enjoyed time spent outdoors fishing and hunting in this majestic world created by God. Keith never shunned hard work. He thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of Crimson Tide Football and the University of Alabama, including the gentle ragging of fans supporting that other team.Becoming a grandfather was one of the most cherished experiences of this life, and he had great plans to instill in his grandson the same values he instilled in his children. Keith’s journey has left an empty space in the lives of those who loved him that can only be filled by Jesus. Keith was predeceased by his grandfathers, William Lester Bullard and Freddie Lee Sims. Survivors in addition to his parents include devoted wife of 30 years, Lori (Hilyer) Bullard, daughter, Whitney Lauren Bullard, son and daughter-in-law, Jarrod Keith and Kelly (Hammonds) Bullard, daughter, Kendall Hilyer Bullard, and the newest love of his life, grandson, Brigston Holt Bullard. Surviving him are also his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kim (Bullard) and Kel Boulware and Kara (Bullard) and Jamie Forbus, grandmothers, Bessie Lee (Hughes) Bullard and Pearl (Hilyer) Sims, three nieces, three nephews, one great-nephew, his parents-in-law, Larry and Pat (Robinson) Hilyer, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Everyone who knew Keith recognized his tremendous love for family.Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com.Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.