Dr. C. Gary Bullard, beloved veterinarian, husband, father, and community leader, passed away on March 9th at the age of 79. Born in Austell, GA, on July 19, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda, and together they raised two sons. After earning his DVM from the University of Georgia in 1969, he served in the U.S. Air Force before founding Bullard Animal Hospital, where he dedicated over 44 years to caring for animals. He served as President of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and a Delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates, advocating for veterinary legislation, and served as President of the Austell Rotary Club. He pioneered pet therapy in local medical centers and provided veterinary care for police K-9 units. Dr. Bullard’s legacy of compassion and service will be deeply missed.
Dr. Montgomery was known for his warm disposition, infectious smile, congenial personality and love for veterinary medicine, especially Georgia veterinary medicine. He knew in high school he wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Montgomery was a mixed animal practitioner, having practiced in the same county for over forty years. Dr. Montgomery was actively involved in both the GVMA and the AVMA, and played a key role in re-writing the Georgia Practice Act. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Doc Hines was known to be a very generous man with countless stories of him helping people anonymously through his generosity and kindness. A pillar of the Alpharetta Community doc has said, “I loved every minute of life working at vet clinics, from my first job walking dogs to working as a vet in my own practice.”
Among his many other professional accomplishments, he served on Georgia’s State Board of Veterinary Medicine and also on the AVMA’s Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates. His memory will be forever cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and clients.
Dr. Gissendanner, a veteran of the United States Air Force and Georgia Air National Guard, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1955. He opened his first veterinary practice in North Miami, FL in 1956 and practiced veterinary medicine for 65 years, including the establishment of 20 not-for-profit low cost spay and neuter clinics and pro bono service to the Humane Society of Highlands County. In addition to being a highly respected veterinarian, Dr. Gissendanner dedicated most of his life to public service in Florida. He was elected twice as Mayor of North Miami and worked to preserve 1,700 acres of land that would become Oleta River State Park and the campus of Florida International University. In 1967, Dr. Gissendanner was elected to the Florida House of Representatives where, among his many accomplishments, helped establish the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. In 1979, he joined the administration of Governor Bob Graham serving as Director of the Cabinet and Legislative Affairs Office and subsequently Director of the Department of Natural Resources.
Dr. Hendricks was born April 2, 1925, in
Woodland, Georgia to the late Bessie Daniel Hendricks and Columbus Marvin Hendricks. He was known to most by “Doc,” a nickname earned during his childhood due to his love and care of animals. He was a devoted alumnus of
Auburn University, where he served in ROTC, was a member of the Zeta Chapter of Omega Tau Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi fraternities and obtained his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
He completed the Georgia State Board for Veterinary Medicine in 1948, later opening his own practice in Manchester in an old mule barn before building his clinic in Talbot County. Serving many communities throughout the surrounding counties for over 65 years caring for animals large and small. Dr. Hendricks was a driving force in establishing and servicing local animal shelters in Meriwether and Harris Counties, assisted in eradicating “Bangs” and vaccinated many pets at numerous rabies clinics.
Jim was a man of deep faith, remarkable work ethic, strong moral character and loyalty to his friends and family. He lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication.
After graduating from Iowa State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, he served his country in the Army Veterinary Corp during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he honed his exceptional surgical skills and developed the first commercial heartworm test for practitioners as an intern at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital (Angell Animal Medical Center) in Boston. He began his professional career in Tallmadge, Ohio, before joining Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic in Vinings, GA as a partner for 22 years.
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Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
6050 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste. 240-381
Norcross, GA 30092
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:00pm
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