Alan graduated from Chattanooga Central High School and Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. Alan devoted his life to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities. As a young man he served as a counselor at Orange Grove summer camps at Double G Ranch and later taught at Orange Grove Center. Alan later moved to Nashville and began working in policy and development of necessary programs for people with development disabilities. He pioneered many of the first community programs across Tennessee that provided the support for people to stay in their home communities rather than living in institutions. He held several positions in state government, his last position being Regional Administrator for the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He was the Executive Director of the Team Evaluation Center, Inc. for many years. As Executive Director, Alan developed programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities that provided individuals with assessments, health care, mental health treatment and therapy services across Tennessee, including the Chattanooga Autism Center.
Alan was a longtime member at Ridgedale Baptist Church. He was a member of the Lions Club, National Board member for the American Association of Intellectual Disabilities. Alan along with other Chattanooga leaders in the Social Services Nonprofit field developed the infrastructure for many of the programs that exist today.
Alan was not only the ultimate witty host, he always had a strong professional work ethic, first as an adolescent helping out at the family store Goodlets Market on Rossville Blvd and later assisting his cousin Jack Goodlet develop Park Place Restaurant in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA. He loved to travel at home and abroad. Continuing his service to others, Alan volunteered at federal parks and Meals on Wheels.
Alan was born to the late Ralph Bullard and Blanche Goodlet Bullard. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother David Bullard.
He is survived by his wife Pamela D. Bullard, Daughter Mary Martha McDaniel (Nathan); grandsons Payne and Arthur; sister-in-law Addie Bullard: nephews Jason and Shane Bullard; and an extended family of devoted Goodlet cousins, the Atchley family, and many dear friends.
There will be no visitation and a Celebration of Life service will be announced later.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Alan’s name to the Chattanooga Autism Center, 1400 McCallie Ave, suite 100, Chattanooga, TN 37404 or www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org or to the Chambliss Center For Children, 315 Gillespie Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411 or www.chamblisscenter.org
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
