Claude Ashley Bullard, 76, of Johns Island, SC, passed away suddenly, peacefully, and way too soon at home, on January 22, 2022. Ashley is survived by his wife Virginia Langford Bullard, daughters, Kristen Ashley Bullard of Washington, DC and Judy Bullard Hanlon (husband Todd Hanlon) of Severna Park, MD, and grandsons, Jackson Stone Hanlon and Pierce Jason Hanlon; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born in Durham, NC, August 4, 1945, the son of the late Robert May Bullard and Frances Bullard Cottingham. An only child, Ashley grew up with cousins who were like siblings.
An avid golfer since age 12, he spent summer days at Hillandale Golf Course and played on the golf team at Durham High School. He graduated high school in 1963, attended University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and graduated from Elon College with a BA in Accounting in 1968.
Ashley had a dedicated work ethic and career with the Internal Revenue Service. His career took him and his family from Greensboro, NC, to Atlanta, GA, Duncanville, TX, Richmond, VA, and then to Cincinnati, OH as District Director, where he retired after 35 years. He loved retirement and donned the mantra: "Let the day come to me!"
Ashley and Virginia moved to Walterboro, SC in retirement. He discovered the Low Country, enjoyed kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and a slower pace of life. They built their dream home on John's Island in Charleston, SC where they have lived for ten happy years. Circular Congregational Church became his spiritual community, where he felt the peace and love of caring people.
Ashley and Virginia, childhood sweethearts, were married for 55 years. He will be remembered as a steady, stable, logical, grounding influence. He brought sunshine and laughter to our lives. A good book or movie, a walk on the beach, a round of golf, travel adventures, cherished friends, babies and children, and his loving family–that's all it took for him to be happy! His wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandsons, were the light of his life.
His memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 in the Circular Congregational Church, Charleston, SC at 2:00 p.m. Due to COVID, all persons attending must be fully vaccinated, wear masks, and observe physical distancing. The family will receive friends in the courtyard immediately after the service.
Given that seating is limited and registration is required, we invite you to view the service via Livestream by clicking the following link https://www.youtube.com/c/CircularCongregationalChurch.
Donations may be made to Circular Congregational Church, or MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital Foundation.