LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, Jan. 16, to honor the life and service of former state Senator Willis “Bill” Clare Bullard, Jr., and coincide with his celebration of life.

“The state of Michigan lost a good, decent, hardworking public servant with the passing of Senator Bill Bullard,” Governor Whitmer said. “While my time in the legislature only briefly overlapped with Senator Bullard’s, I knew him to be someone who could work across party lines to get things done for the people of our great state. My deepest condolences go out to his entire family as they say their final goodbyes.”

Bill Bullard, Jr. began serving in the state House of Representatives in 1983 and then in the state Senate in 1996, where he served residents of Oakland County until 2002. He also served in various other public offices, including Highland Township Trustee, Highland Township Supervisor, Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, and Deputy Clerk of White Lake Township.

Former state Senator Bill Bullard, Jr. passed away on Friday, Dec. 18 from complications due to COVID-19.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of former state Senator Bill Bullard, Jr. by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, Jan. 17.