Patsy Ruth Bullard

TYLER — Patsy Ruth Bullard, the most loving woman on earth, was born June 27th, 1934, and left us for heaven on March 12th, 2025. She spent over 90 years making every person with whom she interacted feel wonderful. Born to Carl and Kate McMahan, who lovingly referred to her as “Ned”, Patsy spent her childhood making fond (and sometimes hilarious) memories with her brother, C.W. She was an incredible storyteller and a gifted singer, performing live on the radio as a teenager, and she loved singing in church. Patsy adored all animals (especially her chickens), her mother’s cooking, the colors pink and teal, flowers, gardening, going to church, talking to people, laughing, and praising God in everything she did. She never met a stranger, was always eager to help others, and loved her children more than anything in the world (“They’re always your babies, no matter how old they get!”). But there was no greater bond than that between Patsy and her best friend and love of her life, her precious husband, J.W. The two of them were practically inseparable from the day they met. They worked hard, and made a beautiful home in the woods together – a beloved gathering spot for their large family. Patsy lived well by her own advice, “don’t ever let foolish pride get in the way of love”.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, her brother, her beautiful daughter Theresa Pirtle Leftwich, her grandson Larry Pirtle, and her step-son Carl Bullard. She is survived on earth by her loving husband, J.W. Bullard, her beloved children, Clinton (Kathy) Pirtle, Linda Cole, Cathy (Ken) Culpepper, Lynn (Steve) Dyba, Michael (Steve) Bullard, Gary Bullard, Carol Vaughn, David (Velma) Bullard, her dear cousins Connie Shifflet and Odessa Benthall, 24 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy.

The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregiver, Christine, the amazing staff at U.T. North Hope Cancer Center and Hospice of East Texas, Dr. Andrew Bowers, and Dr. Robert Carney.

A memorial will be held at the West Erwin church of Christ chapel on March 29th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a visitation lunch at the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of East Texas or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.