Dr. Frank Howard Bulle, born August 9, 1932, died Friday, March 16, 2018, in Germantown, Tennessee. A widower, Frank was fortunate to have found two great loves, his first wife, Nancy Murphey Bulle, and his second wife, Betty Grace Dunn Bulle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary Bulle; a baby daughter, Sandra Ruth Bulle; his son, Samuel Raymond Bulle. Frank is survived by his daughters, Cathy (Wes) Clayton and Carolyn Sisk; four grandchildren, Matthew (Alyssa) Clayton, Nancy (Dallas) Clayton Long, Sarah Clayton, and John Michael Sisk; his sister, Betty Shelton; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Collierville High School and Lambuth College, Frank also earned his Masters and Doctorate Degrees from Vanderbilt University. An ordained Methodist minister, Frank began preaching at age 18. After his ordination, he served churches in Whiteville, Alamo, Georgian Hills (Frayser), Selmer, Milan, Covington, Bartlett; and as District Superintendent of the Paris District. A leader in the Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church, Frank was a delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdiction and General Conferences. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees of Methodist Hospital, Lambuth University, and Wesley Foundation.
An avid golfer, Frank enjoyed many years playing with his “golf buddies” at Windyke Country Club. In the past few years, he especially enjoyed making the last putt at the annual Sam Bulle Golf Classic sponsored by Bartlett United Methodist Church to raise money for a memorial scholarship in his son Sam’s name. After retirement, he attended Collierville United Methodist Church. Frank spent his last years living at the Village at Germantown where he made many friends among both his neighbors and staff. He especially enjoyed eating dinner with his friends at the “men’s table”.
Frank loved God, his family, and the churches and communities he served. Everywhere he went, he made a difference in the lives of those with whom he came into contact. Although he experienced personal tragedies and loss, he did not let those define him and lived his life in gratitude of God’s steadfast love and abiding grace. His family expresses much appreciation to his friends and the staff of the Village of Germantown, especially to Yvette Sanders and Cassandra Miller.
Memorials may be sent to Collierville United Methodist Church or Bartlett United Methodist Church.
