Bernard Glen "Sully" Sullivan

Bernard Glen "Sully" Sullivan obituary

Bernard Glen "Sully" Sullivan

Bernard Sullivan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville on Sep. 29, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Bernard
How to support Bernard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bernard Sullivan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Bernard Sullivan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?