Bringing Laughter & Levity Since 1959

Every Rotary Club has its traditions. Ours just happen to involve a little more banter, a lot more laughter, and a group of members who refuse to take themselves too seriously.

The Bullslingers have been part of the Rotary Club of Suffolk since 1959, creating an atmosphere that makes our meetings not just meaningful, but memorable. While Rotary is built on service, fellowship, and leadership, the Bullslingers add a fourth ingredient: FUN.

Every Bullslinger carries forward a tradition more than 60 years strong, making them one of the most talked-about and memorable groups in Rotary worldwide.

Pictured from Left to Right: George Birdsong, David Holland, Grier Ferguson, Queen Susan Blair, Dan Frohman, Billy Chorey and Charlie Henderson. Not pictured: Randy Hicks and Richard Savage.

What Do the Bullslingers Do?

  • Lighten the Mood: From witty remarks to playful sarcasm, they make sure meetings never feel stiff or formal.

  • Dress the Part: Don’t be surprised if you see a Bullslinger in costume or sporting something unexpected.

  • Keep Us Laughing: A well-timed joke, a little good-natured ribbing, or a clever skit helps everyone feel at ease.

  • Build Fellowship: Humor brings people together, and the Bullslingers make sure no one leaves a meeting without a smile.

Membership Has Its Mark

Becoming a Bullslinger is not something you can request—it’s an honor bestowed only by existing Bullslingers. Once selected, a new member earns the right to wear a bull image on their Rotary name tag, a proud and playful symbol that sets them apart as part of this special tradition.

A One-of-a-Kind Tradition

The Bullslingers are the only group of their kind in Rotary, a tradition born in Suffolk and recognized far and wide by clubs around the world. Their reputation for bringing energy, laughter, and camaraderie has traveled well beyond Virginia, making them a beloved and unique piece of Rotary culture.

Why It Matters

The Bullslingers remind us that service and fellowship should also be joyful. Their presence helps create the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that makes our club unique. Rotary is serious about service, but the Bullslingers make sure we never take ourselves too seriously.

Bullslingers Reunite!

Thursday, August 21, 2025

For more than six decades, the Bullslingers have been the heartbeat of fellowship and fun in the Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club. On August 21, 2025, we celebrated this one-of-a-kind tradition with a special Bullslingers Reunion, bringing together past and present members for an unforgettable evening of laughter, stories, and camaraderie.

The Reunion Slideshow

Relive the moments that define the Bullslingers—costumes, jokes, skits, and all the good-natured banter that have made meetings lively since 1959. Watch until the end to see Bullslingers who are no longer with us—G.S. Pistol Hobbs and Jack Nurney. We will always remember the legacy of their fun.

The Reunion Meeting

Couldn’t be there in person? We’ve got you covered. Experience the Bullslingers Reunion just as it happened with a recording of the meeting. From heartfelt memories to side-splitting laughs, it’s Rotary tradition at its finest.

The Bullslingers are more than just a group… they’re a legacy unique to Suffolk Rotary, known far and wide across Rotary clubs around the world. This reunion reminded us why the tradition endures: fellowship, fun, and the power of laughter to bring people together.