Sammie Sue Bullard's Obituary
Sammie Sue Bullard was born September 17, 1927 in Carthage, Texas to Sidney and Esther Pearl Smith. The loss of her father at an early age, spawned an indescribable bond, and unfaltering love between her mother and her.
Sammie graduated from Carthage High School, where she played in the band, and was selected as the Football and Band Sweetheart.
She met her lifelong sweetheart, Rod Bullard, when he had been assigned recruitment service for the United States Navy in Carthage in 1955. She and Rod were married within just a few years. Rod always said Sammie was the best thing that ever happened to him, and Sammie agreed.
Rod and Sammie moved to Longview in 1959, and bought Wholesale Supply, Inc. in 1962. They began laying the foundation for the Bullard family's future for four generations to come. Rod and Sammie built their business on loyalty, service, and honest relationships with all - customers, employees, dealers, and vendors alike. The company is the success it is today because of the seeds they planted, and the roots that have grown since will carry it into the future. Everyone in the industry had just as much respect for Sammie, as they did Rod, and rightfully so.
She worked every day of her life at Wholesale Supply, Inc., and kept all of the financials by hand to this very day. Sammie was as sharp as a twentysomething, but wise beyond her years. She worked the day before she left us, and would not have had it any other way.
Sammie's mother was diagnosed with cancer, and lived with she and Rod in Longview, where Sammie waited on her hand and foot, and ensured she was as comfortable as possible. Within a year, Rod was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after a year-long battle with the vicious beast of a disease, she lost her beloved husband. She never waivered through either of their battles, but did everything in her power to comfort and care for them, while still maintaining her responsibilites at the office.
Since the day Rod Sr. passed away, Rod Jr. has been her rock. His unselfish dedication to her, was always his greatest concern, and they worked side-by-side, running the family business.
Her loyalty was seen in all aspects of her life - to her church, family, friends, and the business. Her family is surprised she never received an award as a top financial supporter of the Hallmark Company, as friends and family were constantly receiving cards and gifts for every occassion and occurrence. Her softer side shined through when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were around. Between Ashley, Cade, and Chase, she rarely missed a sporting event, piano recital, graduation, choir performance - if her grandkids were doing something - she would be there. She was just as adoring of her great-grandchildren, and was blessed with being able to see them, and "put them to work" three days a week at the office, for the past eight months.
She never wanted to be in the spotlight, and never became accustomed to receiving compliments. She was modest and humble, yet stern and opinionated, to say the least. She gave of herself every day of her life, and rarely did things for herself. She defined the term matriarch in so many ways.
Sammie served many years as a member of the Knife & Fork Club, the East Texas Restaurant Association, the American Business Women's Association, and a lifelong member of Zonta International, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Longview since the early 1960s.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rod and Rhonda Bullard of Longview; grandaughter Ashley Green and husband Philip of Longview; grandson Cade Bullard and wife Lesli of Denton; grandson Chase Bullard of Dallas; great-grandchildren Dylan and Lane Green; cousins, Jean Jernigan, and John Cooke of Carthage; and extended family in Carthage and Longview.
The family wil receive friends and family at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Tuesday, April 14 from 6 - 8p.m. The funeral service will be at First Baptist church of Longview, Wednesday, April 15 at 10a.m. with burial following at Oddfellows Cemetary in Carthage Texas. In leiu of flowers donations may be made to the Longview Zonta Club Scholarship fund, or the American Cancer Society.
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