Obituary of Perry Bruce

RURAL RETREAT, VIRGINIA: PERRY LLOYD BRUCE, JR. age 90 died Thursday, May 8, 2014 at his home in Rural Retreat, Virginia. Perry spent 30 years in the Navy. Most of his time was spent in the NSA. He was aboard the USS Wasp and the USS Lipscomb Bay during combat in World War II. Both of these aircraft carriers were sunk and Perry received many citations including a purple heart for his bravery. For many years he could be found at Marion's VFW Post #4667 as commander or vice commander. He was proud to serve his country. Later in life he served his Lord as lay minister to many Methodist Churches in our area. All the while during service to the Lord and his country he was so proud of his family. He served and loved them all proudly and unselfishly. Perry lived a very full life; A life of devotion to family and service to God and country. He was preceded in death by his wife, M. Jane Blevins Bruce; daughters, Betty Jane Hatton and Susanne Bruce King; parents, Perry Lloyd Bruce Sr. and Mary Ellen Johnson Bruce; brother, Harry Bruce; and sister, Mary Bruce. Perry is survived by a step-daughter, Patricia Foster of Tennessee; son, Gabby Bruce and wife, Debbie of Destin, Florida; special granddaughter, Becky Mitchem and husband, Ray of Rural Retreat, Virginia; several step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Michelle and Dustin Mitchem, all of Rural Retreat, Virginia. Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend Emmit Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Thomas Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Marion VFW Post #4667. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his great-grandchildren's college funds at 370 Mt. Airy Road, Rural Retreat, VA 24368. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Bruce Family.