William A. Bruce

William Allison Bruce, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle died at the age of 68 on April 29, 2015 after an illness of four months. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the first son of the late William A. Bruce Sr. and Audrey Bruce. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Connie, and two sons, Jesse (Kim) and Zachary; grandchildren Shane and Brooklynn; his brothers David (Lynn) and Jeffrey (Michelle) of Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews.

Bill attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship for two years, and graduated in 1968. He then taught a combined class of fifth and sixth graders in Michigan. He met his future wife in East Lansing in 1971.

They married in Eugene Oregon in 1972. Bill worked in the timber industry planting trees in logged off areas and timber cruising, later working with the US Forest Service fighting fires, serving as a crew leader, and as a wilderness ranger on Mt. Hood.

Bill worked for Oconee County as a field appraiser for the tax assessors’ office for over 25 years. This work was personally satisfying to him; he was dependable and well liked.

His interests included daily exercise, listening to music, playing guitar, reading books, seeing films, hiking, gardening, camping, rafting, fishing.

Bill was a loving family man with a good sense of humor. He enjoyed being a father and nurturing his sons as they grew into young men. His grandchildren brought him much joy.

We are grateful for being a special part of his life, and will carry his memory in our hearts.