Obituary

Billy Joe "BJ" Bruce
(September 8, 1939 - October 4, 2018)

Billy Joe (BJ) Bruce, 79, of Barboursville, WV- a wonderful Christian man of integrity, honor, and loyalty. A man who welcomed everyone into his home with kindness and with the comforts of a home cooked meal. He loved to cook. He was a “fix-it” man who everyone counted on. He was the rock of his family and extended family. Just as in the saying—“Fix it Jesus” to his family it was “Fix it BJ”. At his home on October 4, 2018, our beloved was called to meet his Lord after a long battle of Alzheimer Disease. He was cared for at his residence until he was called to his eternal home. He was loved and admired by everyone who knew him. He will be sadly missed. 2 Timothy 1:4- I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted and I will be filled with joy when we are together again. BJ Bruce, graduated from Barboursville High School in 1958, where he played football. He attended Marshall University, where he also played football. He joined the Marine Corp in the year 1959, where he was a Military Policeman. He was stationed at the embassy in Okinawa-Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. He soon ranked to a Corporal in the Marines. He received “Good Conduct” medals while in serving his country. He soon became a Deputy Sheriff in Huntington, WV, under Mr. H. Garten. He then served on the Huntington Police Department from 1968 to 1995, where he retired after 29 years. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist. BJ was born September 8, 1939, in Huntington, WV. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Perry Bruce of 49 years of marriage; one daughter, Angela Clark (Kevin); two sons, William David (Ashley) and Kevin Bruce. A special daughter-in-law, Kelli Fuller-Bruce. He was a father-figure to his two special nieces; Michelle Woomer (Roger) and Leslie Ballengee (Dewey), who he helped raise. He was the son of the late W.C. Bruce and Zena Bruce. He is survived by his sister, Faye Compston, his brother, Jimmy Curtis Bruce, and his sister-in-law, Lorraine Perry Cole. He is preceded in death by his special brother-in-laws, Perry Compston and James Cole, Ginger McComas (Niece), Roy Bruce (Special Uncle), Jenny Holley (Aunt), JuJuan Dawson (nephew in-law). He leaves behind a wonderful family that he loved very much. His nieces and nephews; Archie (Jaime), Jamie Dawson, Leslie Cole. His wonderful grandchildren that he adored: Killian and Kylee Bruce, Zaylie and Zander Bruce, Brittany (Jaad), Kingston, Knox. Great nieces and Nephews: Marcus Perry (Kelsey), Alyssa Perry, Alexis Perry, Corey Woomer (Michelle), Ashlee Hayes ( Michael), Cody and Quinnlyn Ballengee, Asia Ann Jackson, Jayla and Jadyn Dawson, J. Curtis Bruce, Chad McComas, Susan Swanson & Family. Great-Great nephew: Lincoln Woomer. Cousins: Marsha Childers (Rick) & Family, Amber (Roger) Holcomb & Family and a host of friends. Psalm 23: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Visitation will be held, Tuesday, October 9th from 6-8 p.m., at Fellowship Baptist Church in Barboursville. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, October 10th at 11 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church with burial followed at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV. Wallace Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Pallbearers: David Bruce, Kevin Bruce, Killian Bruce, Zander Bruce, Roger Woomer, Dewey Ballengee, Brian Black, Brad Wolfe.