John David Bullen, Sr.

John David Bullen, Sr., age 79, of Maryville, TN passed away at home on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024 from complications of kidney disease.  He is preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings and his precious wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Louise Gossett Bullen.  He is survived by: his son John David Bullen, Jr., his DIL Susan Stephens Bullen, his grandchildren Coy Bullen, Breanna Posey Bullen, and Jonah David Bullen, and last but not least, Coy and Breanna’s daughter Eiley Elizabeth whom he adored this past year and affectionately referred to as Dynamite.  He is also survived by his BIL Laymon Gossett and his SILs Doris Gossett, Helen Jo Bullen, and Cathy Radford and several nieces and nephews.  David graduated from South High in Knoxville, served in the Navy, and was a Cold War Veteran with over thirty-five years at Y-12 Nuclear Plant in Oak Ridge, but his joy in life was being Dad and Papaw.  He loved us all fiercely. There will be a graveside service on July 27^th, 2024 at 10:30am at Asbury Cemetery in Knoxville, TN.  All friends and family are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. David was a lifetime giver to St. Jude’s and believed it was one of the most important ways to serve in the fight against cancer in children. The family wants to send huge thanks out to Quality Health and the many nurses and caregivers that served in David’s home over the last four years.   You will never know how much you have meant in our lives and how much we appreciate the love and care you gave to him.   We also want to thank Gentiva Hospice for helping us this past month. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service 865-983-1000 www.smithlifeandlegacy.com