Robert Ronald Bruce

Robert Ronald "Ronnie" Bruce was born on July 30, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Paul Cureton Bruce and Ozie Lee Bruce. He dedicated his life to the Divine Creator, embodying the teachings of Christ through his generous spirit and unwavering kindness. Robert's impact on everyone he met was profound; he believed that "blessed are those who give" and lived as a joyful giver, never visiting without a gift in hand. Robert was a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Bucyrus, Ohio, where he passionately shared his love for God and the Bible with everyone he encountered. A 1969 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Robert excelled in football and athletics. He began his career at Montgomery Ward as a carpet salesman, earning numerous trophies and awards for his top sales performance. He later worked at General Motors in Mansfield, Ohio, before retiring as a semi-truck driver, which allowed him to indulge his love of travel and explore the United States. Beginning in 1972, Robert served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Specialist 4th Class (SP4) and a member of the Army band. He loved to tell the story about how he went to the window to check in for the draft. There was a sign on the window that said they needed Army Band players. The attendant asked if he played an instrument. Robert hadn’t noticed the sign until after the attendant asked the question. Robert said “Yes. I play the saxophone.” The attendant asked Robert to attend tryouts the next day, and he was accepted into the army band. Robert then served in Fort Hood, Texas. Robert's passion for his Red 1969 Road Runner was legendary. He often regaled friends and family with stories of purchasing it straight off the sales floor, complete with a custom horn that never failed to turn heads. One fateful day, while on leave from the army in Mansfield, OH, he found himself cruising down Bowman Street in his beloved Road Runner when he was struck by the sight of two twins walking along the sidewalk. Intrigued, he couldn't resist the urge to stop and strike up a conversation. It was during this chance encounter that he met Debbie, whose conversation captivated him instantly. This became the beginning of a significant chapter in Robert's story. An exceptional musician, Robert mastered the saxophone and played in many bands, most notably touring with the Ohio Players in 1974. Despite his musical talent and opportunities, he chose to prioritize family above all. In 1975, he married Debbie, and together they moved to Mount Holly, New Jersey. There, Robert continued his dedicated military service at Fort Dix, demonstrating his commitment to family. Robert was not only a devoted family man but also an avid sports enthusiast. Throughout his retirement, he cherished moments spent traveling with his loved ones, watching his beloved sports teams: the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Cavaliers. His passion for sports was contagious, bringing joy to those around him as they cheered alongside him during game days. Additionally, Robert's culinary talents shone as he delighted in cooking on the grill, sharing his delicious BBQ creations with neighbors who held him in high esteem. His warm-hearted gestures left an indelible mark on the community, reflecting the generosity and kindness that defined him. Robert returned to the Ethereal Source on June 3, 2024, entering the realm of wholenss and perfection. Robert is cherished in memory by his parents, Paul Cureton Bruce and Ozie Lee Bruce; his grandmother, Jessie Lee "Nana" Thomas; his grandfather, Ozzie Lee Bruce; his uncles, Robert, Riley, and Rufus Dawson; his children, Matthew (Chanda) Smith, Sherita (Tyrus) Lewis, Robert L. Bruce, and Dante D. (Shaylon) Bruce; his wife of 16 years, Debra D. Bruce; his siblings, Paul Stillwell, Dr. Jean (Elder Eddie) Massey, Thomas (Crystal) Murphy, and Gary Murphy; his grandchildren, Landenazuia Bruce (fiancé Jalen Reese), Ashton and Annika Smith, Brooklyn Robertson, Rylan Jackson, Jaionna, Jalynn, Amiris, Robert Jr., Kyaire, and Roland Bruce; his great-grandchildren, Kalen, Karter, and Kamryn Reese; his sister-in-law, Donna Feagin; his cousin, Nancy Pratt; his nieces, Tashi Bryant, Senita Feagin, Melissa (Sean) Hinton, Veronica, Cieryra, and August Feagin; his great-niece, Natajshia Hess; his great-nephew, Dajuandre Brooks; his loving memory great-niece, Nykesia Hess (Grayson); and his nephew, Ezekiel Damar Feagin. Additionally, he will be remembered fondly by a multitude of other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as a vast community of family, friends, and acquaintances, all of whom he loved dearly and who loved him in return.