Rodney (Rod) James Bullock, of Smyrna, passed away at home on November 17, 2017. He was 64.

He was born July 21, 1953 to the late William L. and Freda H. Bullock. Rod grew up in Smyrna and graduated from Smyrna High School in 1971. He enlisted in the Air Force in July 1971, and served four years.

He married Anita Newman on October 2, 1972. They were married 45 years.

He earned his Associate degree in Applied Science at Del-Tech Community College in 1981, and graduated in 1983 from Wilmington College with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Rod went on to earn his Master in Education – School Leadership and Instruction in 2000.

He had been a Manager of Employee Development at Playtex (Edgewell Personal Care) and retired in June 2016.

Rod enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles – being in his shop was one of his favorite pastimes. He loved listening to all kinds of music, and being a baby boomer, Rock and Roll was his first choice. He also played guitar for his pleasure. Being at the beach, catching a sunbeam, or mowing the grass brought him enjoyment. He loved to read, and Winston Churchill was one of his favorite historical figures. Rod was active in Scouting for many years as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 135, and at the district level training Scout masters. He was a vigil honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Nentego Lodge 20.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Rachel (Jeremy) Bullock-Brockway, and Kyle Bullock; grandchildren, Dean, Finn, and Elke; a brother, Bill (Betty) Bullock; in-laws, Violet Coyle, Susie (Mark) Coleman, Lloyd (Lea) Newman, Brenda (Tom) Callahan; a daughter-in-law, Sarah Bullock; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held 12:00 PM Thursday November 30 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Boy Scout Troop 135, C/O Mike Pearson, 272 E. Mt. Vernon St., Smyrna, DE 19977; or to the Relay for Life of Middletown, C/O the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way #205, New Castle, DE 19720. Please specify that proceeds be directed to Relay for Life of Middletown.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com.

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.