Rev. Frank Richard Bullock Jr.

Life Reflection

Rev. Frank Richard Bullock Jr. passed away on September 2nd, 2026 at Mercy Health Hospital, Freeport, IL.

Frank was born on August 14, 1948 in Oakland California to parents Ruth Wilkerson and Frank Bullock Sr. Frank spent his childhood enjoying school and graduating from Castelmont High School, Oakland CA., in June, 1967. From 1968 - 1971 Frank served in the U.S. Army ultimately achieving the rank of Specialist 4, the equivalent to that of Corporal. He served as a cook and specially trained Military Police Officer, one of only 5 African-American Servicemen at that time. His duties included returning AWOL soldiers to base and receiving several citations including two metals for outstanding service. Frank was stationed in several U.S. Army bases throughout his years of Army service but, his final base was Savanna Army Depot in Savanna, IL. where he met and married Lillie Pearl Hilton on August 1, 1970 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Moving with his family back to Oakland, California, Rev. Bullock served for several years at the Oakland Police department. Once there, concerned for his family’s safety and wanting a better position, Rev. Bullock and family then moved to Salinas, California where he served his community as a ranked guard at Soledad Prison.

Rev. Bullock had known since the age 17 that he was called to the ministry. He acted on and accepted his call in 1974. Taking in what he learned from his own pastor, Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith of Allen Temple, now Allen Chapel Baptist Church in Oakland California as a young minister, Rev. Bullock Served in the church at Friendship Baptist Church in Seaside, California, under Rev. Dr. C.L. McFadden.

Adhering to his assignment and listening closely his assignment from the Lord, Rev. Bullock accepted his next calling and moved his family back to Freeport, Illinois in 1977. Rev. Bullock began his faithful mission of service by taking a position as Youth Minister at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church that same year.

After working alongside his wife for 8 years at Micro Switch, and eventually retiring from Plant 4, and until for health reasons he was unable to speak in public, Rev. Bullock remained a faithful and active member of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. While in this service, he assisted with the construction of the Brad room, performed as a faithful Sunday School Teacher, Junior Church Minister, Brotherhood Teacher and Baptist Training Union Teacher for many of those years. He was ordained as the Associate Minister of the church and in this position, he was a founding member of FAMUC, (Freeport African-American Ministers United for Change) and an integral part of the Freeport Ministerial Alliance. Rev. Bullock counseled couples and individuals, performed many wedding ceremonies, his first being performed in New Your City, for his Sister-in-law Estelle and Ravinder Khanna. He advised seminary students, taught classes and volunteered with many other areas within the community including, but not limited to, the Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club of Freeport, the Freeport Public Library Committee, and the Freeport City Counsel.

Rev. Bullock is preceded in death by his father Frank Bullock Sr., Mother Ruth Bullock, Sister Marylin Tucker, and Brothers Christopher and DeWitt Bullock.

Rev. Bullock is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years Lillie P. Bullock, (Freeport) Six Children, including 4 Daughters, Estelle M. Charles, Freeport Illinois; Michelle D. Griggs (Late Charles) Freeport, Illinois; France R. Bullock and Rebecca R. Williams (both of Ellenwood GA.); 2 sons, Byron B. Bullock (Brenda) Freeport, Illinois, and Brian R. Bullock (Freeport); 2 Brothers Kenneth Bullock (Arizona), Nathaniel Bullock (California), and 2 Sisters June Williams and Yolanda Matthews (both of California); 22 grandchildren, 4 great-grand children and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday September 19, 2026 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Freeport City Cemetery.