Great Daniel R. “Bull” Bullard

Late Mr. Daniel “Raymond” Bullard | Lake Lorna Doone

Fast Facts

Education: Jones High School, Class of 1958

Family: Married Mrs. Fannie Bullard in 1960; proud father of three sons and one daughter

Service: U.S. Army Veteran, served  during the Korean War

Career: Lifelong Civil Servant employee: Worked in the Horticulture Department at the Naval Training

Center, served with the United States Postal Service in the Custodial Department and promoted to

Driver in the Motor Vehicle Service Department.

If you walked past the Bullard home on any given weekend, you would likely hear booming laughter and

smell barbecue in the air. Known by many as “Raymond” or “Bull,” Mr. Daniel R. Bullard was the true

heartbeat of the Lake Lorna Doone neighborhood and was deeply loved by all who knew him. Through

his wife, Mrs. Fannie Bullard, and his daughter, Karen, we remember a man who chose to live a life of

joy, courage and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Early Life

Born on October 16, 1932, Bullard spent the first two months of his life in Macon, Georgia, before his

mother relocated them to Orlando. As a child, he witnessed his mother’s unwavering dedication as

she worked tirelessly as a housekeeper to provide him with a better life. Growing up in the historic

Parramore community, Bullard developed a strong sense of independence, resilience, and pride in

who he was, even while navigating the challenges of segregation.

Education and Influences

Bullard attended and proudly graduated from the esteemed Jones High School. As an active and

an athletic teenager, he developed a love for swimming and gymnastics. As he matured into young

adulthood, he took on the responsibility of cutting lawns—an experience that would ultimately

change his life. It was through this work that he met his future wife, Fannie Beckworth. From the

moment he saw her, he knew she was the one he would marry. Confident in his heart, he even

shared this belief with her cousin. True to his word, on December 6, 1960, Bullard fulfilled that

promise, marrying the love of his life.

Career and Service

During the Korean War, Bullard honorably served his country in the United States Army. Following

his military service, he began a distinguished career in civil service, starting in the Horticulture

Department at the Naval Training Center before transitioning to the United States Postal Service at

Tradeport. There, he became one of the first Black employees—a testament to both his perseverance

and trailblazing spirit.Bullard was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering courage. He was not

afraid to challenge unfair practices, even during a time when segregation and racism were deeply

entrenched. As a proud Black man, he deeply admired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the principles he

represented. So committed was he to Dr. King’s legacy, that he refused to work on Dr. King’s birthday,

standing firmly in his beliefs.

At the age of 72, Bullard retired from civil service, leaving behind a legacy of determination, integrity,

and resilience. When reflecting on his life, his daughter Karen fondly shared one of his guiding

messages: “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Whatever you set your heart to, you can do it.”

Family Life and Community Impact

In 1965, Bullard and Fannie moved their young family to the Lake Lorna Doone neighborhood,

purchasing a home that would soon become the heart of their growing household. Just one week

after settling in, they welcomed their third son. Twelve years later, their daughter Karen was born,

completing their family. Their home quickly became a gathering place for the community—filled with

laughter, backyard barbecues, and a welcoming space where young people felt supported and

valued.

Bullard loved working the grill, but he took just as much pride in the responsibilities that followed.

He enjoyed cleaning and doing laundry, often choosing to dry clothes the traditional way on a

clothesline rather than using a dryer. He embraced a practical “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”

approach to life.

Deeply committed to his community, Bullard was a proud member of the RAFMAN (Retired Air Force

Marine Army Navy) Club Foundation, where he served alongside fellow veterans in community

service efforts. He was also a faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and shared a

close friendship with Deacon Louis Sparrow, another Greats of West Lakes honoree.

Bullard dedicated much of his time to mentoring young men, particularly those who lacked father

figures. He found joy in teaching practical life skills—such as changing a tire or tying a necktie—and

instilling values that would guide them into adulthood. His hospitality was well known; no one ever

left his home empty-handed. Whether it was a meal, a lesson, or a word of encouragement, Bullard

made sure every visitor departed with something meaningful.

Legacy

When Bullard passed away in 2019, he left behind a legacy rooted in love, service, and deep

connection. At his funeral, a sea of colleagues dressed in blue postal uniforms gathered to honor

him, a powerful testament to the impact he had on those around him. In a moving tribute, his mail

truck joined the procession, its horn sounding a final farewell.