John Robert Bullock III, of Gainesville, Virginia, passed away on September 20th, 2026 at the age of 77.

John was born on February 4, 1949, in the Bronx, New York, to John Robert Bullock Jr. and Lillian Adeeb Bullock. A proud New Yorker throughout his life, John carried a lasting connection to his roots wherever he went.

He grew up with his older sister, Juanita Pitchford, and was raised in the Bronx and later in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he attended Teaneck High School. As a young man, he participated in baseball, wrestling, football, and gymnastics. His academic network remained a large part of his life, as he regularly attended high school and college reunions through the decades.

John followed in his sister’s footsteps and attended Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, where he became a Que and joined the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He proudly represented its purple and gold and remained active in his fraternity community throughout his life.

In 1972, John began a 20-year career in the United States Air Force, working his way up to the rank of Technical Sergeant and serving in communications and electronic systems with assignments throughout Southeast Asia. His work included the installation, maintenance, testing, and technical support of military communications and air traffic control systems, as well as communications modernization efforts. Beyond his duties, John deeply valued his military service for the enduring bonds he forged, experiences he gained, and opportunities it provided to see and experience the world.

While stationed in the Philippines, John met his wife, Rose Bullock, and they welcomed their daughter, Marina Roselle Bullock. His family later grew with the birth of his son, John Robert Bullock IV, followed by his youngest daughter, Christina Lyn Bullock, born in South Korea during John’s deployment there. After more than 20 years of military service, John retired from the Air Force in 1992 and returned to the United States. He followed his mother and older sister to the Spotsylvania/Fredericksburg area of Virginia and ultimately put down roots in Gainesville, where he raised his family.

After retiring from the Air Force, John continued his career in the Washington, D.C. area, working in information technology, systems engineering, network and information security, and program management. He supported a variety of government and defense-related programs and was highly regarded for his expertise in communications, computer systems, systems integration, security, and program management. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Strayer University in 1996, graduating magna cum laude. He continued his education at Strayer, earning a Master of Science in Information Systems in 2003, also with magna cum laude honors.

Outside of work and his military service, John enjoyed the company of family and friends and took pride in hosting and entertaining. He loved his spring and summer barbecues at the family’s Gainesville home, where he could be found at the grill, enjoying good food and the company of those around him. He believed strongly in the value of education and the opportunities it could create, encouraging those around him to pursue their goals and keep doors open for their future. He also remained deeply connected to his fraternity and to the schools and communities that had been important throughout his life. These connections to his hometown, his military service, his fraternity, his education, and his community, remained important parts of John’s life.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Rose Bullock; his son, John Robert Bullock IV; his parents, John Robert Bullock Jr. and Lillian Adeeb Bullock; his sister, Juanita Pitchford; his brother-in-law, Robert Pitchford; and his niece, Lillian Bell.

He is survived by his daughters, Marina Bullock and Christina Bullock, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Laurel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 10127 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania, VA 22553, on Saturday, October 10th. Visitation will begin at 10am, followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11am. The committal service and repast will follow on-site.