Donald Bull Obituary

JONESBOROUGH - Donald Eugene Bull, 90, of Jonesborough, passed away on August 24, 2023.

Born in Jefferson County, Don grew up in East Tennessee and married his beloved Barbara Bull on December 22, 1954. Barbara and Don spent over 64 years together, until Barbara's death, creating a beautiful family and legacy together.

A lifelong educator and learner, Don started his career as a teacher after graduation from East Tennessee State University with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1954. His first teaching job was in 6th grade at South Central Elementary School, Fall Branch High School, and Davy Crockett High School and Assistant Principal at Daniel Boone High School. He served as the Assistant Superintendent of Washington County Schools from 1968-1976 and 1980-1984. While working and raising a family, he returned to school and earned his M.A. from East Tennessee State University in 1966. He retired from his career in education in 1985, and he worked at Horace Mann Insurance Company from 1985 until his retirement in 1999, earning his LUTCF credentialing designation, a benchmark for insurance professionals, and winning production awards. He was elected to the Washington County School Board from 1985-1996, chairing the Board during two years of his tenure.

Don was a beloved and steady leader of his family, a pillar of the community, and a kind and thoughtful friend. Barbara and Don moved to Jonesborough in 1959, where they joined Jonesborough United Methodist Church and were devoted members. Don sang in the church choir, and he enthusiastically participated in volunteer, leadership, and fellowship opportunities in the church, in the community, and with his Civitan group. A dedicated sports fan, Don enjoyed cheering for his ETSU Buccaneers and the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Don was an avid golfer, and he played weekly rounds with his golf group. He grew and tended the most beautiful garden, and he loved serving his family and friends the most delicious vegetables and apples harvested from the backyard. Don loved to travel and cherished memories of trips with Barbara.

Don will be lovingly and forever remembered by his daughter, Donna Malone (Steve); his grandchildren, Allison Cotton (Ian), Stephanie Malone, Eric Bull, Gregory Bull, Bradley Bull, and Rachel Bull; great-grandsons, George Cotton and Emerson Bull; sisters, Catherine Whelchel and Judy Biggs. Don will also be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, cherished friends, and his Jonesborough United Methodist Church family. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Bull; parents, Reverend W.M. Bull Jr. and Blanche Bull; his son, David Bull; his daughter-in-law, Jamie Bull; sisters, Ramona Reed and Alice Malone and his brother, William Bull III.

A Graveside Service will be held at Noon, on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Monte Vista Burial Park in Johnson City, followed by a Celebration of Life service at Jonesborough United Methodist Church at 5:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Michael Lester. The family will receive friends at the Church prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's memory to the Jonesborough United Methodist Church Memorial Fund and Holston Home for Children.

Condolences may be made to the Bull family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821