by Jaymie Mordue
frontdesk@theenterprise.net

A Bridge dedication ceremony was held on Nov. 12 in Stuart in remembrance of Army Spc. 4 Frederick C. Bullington Jr.

What was previously known as the Spoon Creek Bridge is now Frederick C. Bullington Jr. Memorial Bridge.

Friends and family gathered to honor Bullington, who died May 30, 1966.

Lock Boyce, chairman of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, said that Bullington was the first Patrick County native to be mortally wounded in the Viet Nam War.

He added that around here, he was known as Freddy, but after speaking to Bullington’s platoon sergeant, Boyce learned that his nickname was Bull, not because of his name, but because of his strength.

He was always one to jump up and do whatever needed to be done, Boyce said.

Bullington was “a member of the U.S. Army 25 Infantry Tropic Lightning Company B 1st Battalion,” said his sister, Janice Turner.

He was wounded on May 7, 1966 and transported to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, she said.

Two weeks went by and Bullington died. His mother, Virginia Scearce, was by his side.

His remains were brought back to the U.S. with an Honor Guard to Moody Funeral Services and Crematory in Stuart, and taken to the home until burial in the cemetery at Stella Christian Church, Turner said.

His family accepted a Purple Heart and Bronze Star medal on Bullington’s behalf for his sacrifice.

Turner said that Bullington grew up in Patrick County, and as a child “played many hours in the Spoon Creek swimming and fishing.”

She added that it is in the family’s honor to have Spoon Creek Bridge on U.S. 58 renamed for her beloved brother.