William Eugene Bull was born February 21, 1920, in Seattle, King County, Washington, and spent his youth in Oakland California. At about 16 years of age, he falsified his age in order to join the National Guard. He later served in the Cavalry before joining the Marine Corps in 1939. He served in the Pacific theater and was present for the raising of our flag at Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. He served in the Marine Corps for more than twenty years, was injured, and suffered from those injuries for the rest of his life. He moved to Vacaville, California in about 1970, where he lived until his death.
His first marrige was to Regina Murphy. Gene and Regina had one daughter, Gail Anita Bull Summers. Gene later married Geraldine Bone. Gene and Geraldine had one son, Scott A. Bull. After leaving the Marine Corps, Gene worked for the government and private industry as a certified public account for twenty years.
His hobbies included researching the history of the Marine Corps, and genealogy. He was a member of the Vacaville Masonic Lodge, a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and a member of the Sacramento Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. His SAR application was approved on January 21, 1991. His patriot ancestor, Solomon Culver, was a Private from New York. Gene also had nine approved Supplemental Applications for Daniel Felton, John Trask, James Brackett, Joseph Brackett, Ebenezer Sullivan, Jonathan Culver, Sam Elmore, Samuel Burr, and Samuel Hinman.
William Eugene Bull passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2000. His first wife, Regina, his son, Scott Alan Bull, and his brother, Robert Homer Bull, all preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Gail Anita Bull Summers, his second wife, Geraldine, his brothers Keith R. Bull, Harry Malcom Bull, Howard Elwood Bull, his sisters Anita Claire Bull Moe, Patsy Ann Bull Jacobs, and Vivian Elizabeth Bull Hayman, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
There were no funeral services held at the time of his death. Graveside services were held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine, California, on August 28th, 2000. Memorial contributions can be made to the local Shrine Hospital for Children.
From the Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, April 6, 1948. The Bull Brothers with S. M. Martin, Cmdr., Key System Post. No. 703.
- Left to Right:
- Maj. Howard E. Bull, USA (Ret)
- William E. Bull, PlSgt, USMC, WIA, Med Survey
- Harry M. Bull, Pvt. USA
- Keith R. Bull, Sgt. USA, WIA Med. Discharge
- Robert E. Bull, Cpl. USA, Discharge. All Honorable.