James Witte Bull

HOLLY HILL- James Witte Bull, Sr., 79, husband of Bonnie Murray Bull, entered eternal rest on Monday, September 11, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be 4 pm Thursday September 14, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Holy Hill with the Rev. Marshal Locke and Rev. Earl Behr officiating. Burial will follow in the Holly Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the funeral service beginning at 3pm. Pallbearers will be Elijah Bull, Tom Hutto, Chip Bull, Jamie Bull, Bob McCurry and Jim Russell. Witte was born in Holly Hill a son of the late Edna Preetorius Bull and Tumpie Bannister Bull. Witte is fondly remembered as a devoted husband, family man, and business leader in Holly Hill. For nearly 40 years he owned and operated Bull's Drug Store where countless customers affectionately called him Dr. Bull. He was not a doctor, he graduated with a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina in 1960, but his role was no less vital in the lives of so many. In an era long before the Internet, he was a source of caring advice and expertise to all. No one went without medicine they needed, regardless of whether they could afford it or not. Witte was always on call. For decades, he was known for opening the store each Christmas morning for anyone who needed medicine or simply forgot batteries for a special gift for a child. Any time, day or night, he would gladly answer the call. He was a big man, standing 6-feet 5-inches, and was a bit intimidating at first glance; but his exterior belied a deep kindness that he was uncomfortable acknowledging. He was a quiet giver, often hiding his most generous acts. As a civic leader, he was tireless. He served on the board of directors of Farmers Merchants Bank of South Carolina for 41 years, including several terms as bank chairman. He was named "Board Member Emeritus" in 2017. He was a long-time deacon, chairman of the deacon board, and treasurer of the First Baptist Church of Holly Hill. He was a founding member of Holly Hill Academy and served on the board of directors as treasurer for 19 years. Golf was one of his passions. He was a long-time member of Holly Hill Country Club, serving on the board of directors for decades including several terms as president. His contributions to the Holly Hill business community are many and long-lasting. Witte was a life-time Gamecock Club member and thoroughly enjoyed University of South Carolina sports of all kinds. He was especially fond of football and attended games loyally for 60 years. Witte was extraordinarily loyal and devoted to family. His wife, children, in-laws, grandchildren, brother, relatives, and friends all fondly remember his steadfast dedication, his stories, his sense of humor, his generosity, and above all his love. Survivors are his wife of the home; children, J. Witte (Diane) Bull, Jr., Holly Hill, SC; L. Marion (Michele) Bull, Mt. Pleasant, SC; Frances B. (Tom) Hutto, Holly Hill, SC; a brother, Tumpie B. (Joy) Bull, North Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren, Betsy Bull, Anchorage, Alaska; Jamie (Kaitlyn) Bull, Aiken, SC; Tressa Hutto, Columbia, SC; Abbott Hutto, Columbia, SC; Elijah and Caroline Bull, Mt. Pleasant, SC. The entire Bull family would like to thank Everlyn Staley, Andrea Lorick of Carolina Aging Solutions, Mary Jester of Embrace Hospice, and all of the caretakers who so lovingly helped Witte during his illness. May your merciful kindness return to you a thousand-fold. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Holly Hill, PO Box 235, Holly Hill, SC 29059 or Embrace Hospice, 225 Boundary Street, Manning, SC 29102.