David T Bullington

He spent his final moments surrounded by family and friends. He went peacefully to join his late parents, J.D. and Carlene Bullington, in heaven where we believe he is now fully whole and embracing the afterlife our Lord and Savior. He is also preceded in death by his cousin, Lt. Cmdr. William A Hall "Billy". Tommy spoke of their relationship and friendship often.

Beloved husband of Linda Jones Bullington for fifty-two years of marriage. Loving father of Natalie Barnes (Patrick), Mary Beth Bullington Appleton (late husband James) and John David Bullington, III (Lindsey Randon Bullington) all of Metairie, LA. Grandfather “Papa” of Grace, Gabe, Genevieve and Laine.

You may have known him by a different name. He was named David Thomas Bullington. His parents and his wife and family called him Tommy. If you met him during college or his professional career you may have known him as David, Dave or Tom. For whichever name you knew him, it represented a unique place friendship in his life.

Tommy was born in Humboldt, Tennessee on January 31st, 1947. He was raised in Milan, Tennessee and he graduated from Milan High School in 1965. If you are from Milan, you would have also known him from his dad’s Service Station. For many years he helped at the station including helping with their wrecker service. A few years back, his son, John, found the original wrecker and purchased it. Tommy was so excited to see a part of his past again.

He started college at the University of Tennessee in Martin studying Engineering. He then transferred to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville and received his Bachelor Degree in Industrial Technology. After graduation he and Linda moved to New Orleans, LA where he spent many years as a Petrophysicist at Shell and Mobil Oil. They raised their family in the suburb of New Orleans called Algiers. The family also was transferred to Plano, Texas for a brief period but then went back to New Orleans for the rest of his career. Tommy also furthered his education at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Tommy also had a passion for the medical field. In 1979 he received his EMT training from Delgado Community College. He drove an ambulance and responded as a Lieutenant with Jefferson Parish Civil Defense. He was an EMT for Jo Ellen Smith Hospital in Algiers. He taught CPR courses for the hospital and the State of Louisiana.

He also loved genealogy. There are so many handwritten books that he has traced family back through the generations. He has helped many find their ancestry from his labor of love for this subject.

Tommy also had a passion for animals. He saved them and loved them. There have been so many throughout the years. He will be missed greatly by his cats Smokey and Bobbie Tail. Smokey was a bit skittish when Papa came home on hospice but Bobby Tail never left his side. A love like no other. His granddog, Millie, was also never far away.

There will be a Memorial Visitation “Celebration of Life” Sunday, June 6th. This will be held from 2-6 at his daughter, Natalie’s house. He will be buried June 26th in Milan, TN with visitation after at the Assembly of God Church in Milan.

The family would also like to give thanks to everyone who has helped along the way of Tommy’s journey. There are so many but we would especially like to thank the incredible employees of Ochsner Hospital, Ochsner Specialized and Regular Pharmacy and Compassus Hospice. There are so many friends that have helped but we give extra thanks to Aunt Sandra Norman and Donna Crawford who came to NOLA and spent his remaining days with us.

Papa’s favorite term was “Fair to Midland.” The definition states “just average, not especially good.” But this was his answer for the best of times and the times that weren’t so good. His outlook on life was also even-keeled and steady. His heart was kind and he was giving. His legacy is strong. He had so many stories now to be passed on by his children. He won’t be forgotten and will be continued to be loved.

in lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to the Jefferson SPCA or the Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Hospital.