Bernard Glen "Sully" Sullivan's Obituary
Bernard Glen “Sully” Sullivan, 90, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away on September 28, 2025, at the VA Medical Center of the Ozarks.
He was born in 1935 in Maumee, Arkansas, along the shores of the Buffalo River, to Hugh Sullivan and Arkie (Fletcher) Sullivan. Sully grew up working on the family farm raising horses and cattle until 1950, when he moved to California to live with his uncle. In 1953, he volunteered for the United States Navy, beginning a 20-year career that included service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he had the honor of serving aboard the USS Guide, USS Navasota, USS Tulare, USS Eldorado, and USS Nereus.
While stationed in California, Sully was introduced to the love of his life, Patricia Ann (Hisel), on a blind date. They married in 1965 and shared 60 years and 9 months of marriage together.
After retiring from the Navy, Sully pursued a variety of careers. He was a licensed general contractor in California, served as Buildings and Grounds Manager for Solano County, California, and was a skilled furniture builder. He loved working with wood, tending his gardens, and enjoying an occasional adult beverage or two.
Sully was an active member of VFW Post 4513, the Fleet Reserve Association, and the United Methodist Church of Shirley, Arkansas. A proud descendant of the Mears family, original settlers of Rush, Arkansas in the 1850s, he was also involved with the Arkansas Antebellum Society.
In 1989, after many years in California raising his children, Sully returned home to Arkansas. He built a wide circle of friends and was always the life of the party. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling, refurbishing homes, building cedar furniture, gardening, bartending at the VFW, and most of all, spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Douglas (wife Bonnie) and Earl (wife Veda); sister Patricia Sullivan; sons Robert Sean Sullivan and Richard Shane Sullivan; in-laws Anthony and Catherine Hisel; brother-in law Terry Hisel and many dear friends and shipmates.
Sully is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann (Hisel) Sullivan; children Stacey Sullivan (Ron Massaro), Mary Sullivan Hamm (Duane), Michael Sullivan (Joelle), and Rory Sullivan (Angie); twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews Nita, Gail, Travis, Kathy, and Joe Carl and sister-in-law Shelly Hisel
He was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him and will be dearly missed.
Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Fayetteville National Cemetery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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