E.F.Bruce, 87, of Karns, and formerly of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017at Ben Atchley Veterans Home. He was born in LaFollette, TN on April 28, 1929 to Carl H. Bruce and Rosa Parker Bruce. Mr. Bruce proudly served our country in the Army during the Korean War. For over 50 years E.F. worked in the grocery business at stores including White Stores and Food City, in Oak Ridge and Oliver Springs. He also was a van driver for the Shriner''s Children Hospital in Lexington, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Greenville, SC. He was a member of Royce Baptist Church and of the Masonic Lodge No. 756, in Oak Ridge. He loved gardening, woodworking, making jelly, and traveling. By using his hands to create gifts and help people it brought Mr. Bruce great joy in return.
E.F. is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruth H. Bruce; his son Edward "Eddie"; his parents Carl and Rosa Bruce; brothers Clayton and Ebert Bruce; brother-in-law Charles Collins; and sisters-in-law Ruby Roskelly and Walsie Bruce.
He is survived by his son, Charles (Karen) Bruce of Oak Ridge; daughters, Jan (Mickey)Phillips of Lake City, and Jill Bruce of Knoxville; his grandchildren, Chris (Liz) Thomas of Plano, TX, Victoria Chesney of Nashville, Parker Fulton of Clinton, Cassie (Richard) Voiles of Jamestown, Casey (Katie) Phillips of Yardley, PA, and Chase (Jenna) Phillips of Windsor, CT; great-grandchildren Eli and Grayson Thomas, Ryleigh, Braxton, Dylan, Adelyn & A.J. Phillips, Rylee, Blake, & Calvin Voiles; his sister, Agnes Collins of Nashville; his sister-in-law Willie Ruth Bruce of LaFollette; brother-in-law Ronnie Roskelly of Oak Ridge: and many other special family members and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday January 5, 2017 from 5-7 pm with funeral service to follow at 7 pm at Royce Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. Pastor Mike Harbin will officiate the service. Graveside will be Friday, January 6th at 10am at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Shriner''s Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
"The family would like to thank the entire staff at Ben Atchley Veterans Home for their care and concern during our Dad''s stay there." The Bruce Family.
Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Bruce family.