William Patrick "Beau" Bruce

1970 - 2019

William Patrick "Beau" Bruce obituary, 1970-2019, Mt. Juliet, TN

William Bruce Obituary

William Patrick "Beau" Bruce

Mt. Juliet - Beau Bruce, 49, died on May 13, 2019 at Centennial Medical Center after leading a life of intellectual discovery on his own unique terms. A brilliant rebel, Beau was always the smartest person in the room, and because of this, he didn't conform to societal expectations. Born on March 9, 1970, he was raised by parents Patsy and Ed Bruce in Nashville. He skipped two grades at Peabody Demonstration School and attended Webb School, where he played soccer and met best friend David Hudson in 1981. During his senior year, the school established its first quiz bowl team. Beau, a math savant who had little interest in maintaining good grades, answered every question in the competition, allowing Webb to finish third out of 42 teams. He graduated from Webb in 1987 and attended MTSU.

He was a larger-than-life character who was popular, jocular, laid back and non-judgmental. He loved having a good time and treating others well. He always gave money to anyone on the street who asked, because, as he said, "That could be us." He chose his jobs for the adventure, not the prestige or money. He loved music and thrived during his time in the early nineties at MCA Music Publishing, where he was adored by the songwriters that he so admired. He moved to Chicago in the mid-nineties and worked for nearly ten years at several trading firms, where he loved the fast pace and the immersion into numbers. He moved back to Nashville in 2011 and enjoyed delivering pizzas, shooting pool, bowling, playing chess, reading books by J.R.R. Tolkien and spending time with his nieces. A great cook who made a world-class omelet, he loved to eat Asian food and listen to traditional country music.

He is survived by his parents, Patsy Bruce and Ed Bruce; brother Trey Bruce (Laci); sisters AnnMarie Pinhal (Joey) and Ginny Bruce; nieces Chelsea Jensen, Sela Bruce, Catherine Pinhal, Juliana Pinhal, Sara Bruce Manual and Maggie Emmick; nephews Joseph Pinhal, Patrick Elder; and Christina James, Chevy and Bella James. A celebration of his life will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in Beau's honor to Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, TN 37020. Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home (615)262-3312.

Published by Tennessean from May 16 to May 19, 2019.
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I love his music always will ....and my Deepest Condolences to the family he was the best he will live forever.God Bless You.

Tiesse G.Sanchez Warden

Acquaintance

January 31, 2021

I just found out today that Beau had passed. I am stunned since he was so young. We became friends at Webb after our first year there together in 1984-85, we had some of the same classes, and he lived down the hall from me in Rand. I have not seen him since at least ca. 2000 when I was last at a reunion at Webb. I am so sorry for your loss.

Wesley Thomas

July 23, 2019

Dear Patsy,
So sorry for your loss of Beau. Peace to you and your family in these days of remembrance.
Blessings,
Dewayne & Nancy Pigg

May 25, 2019

I didn't get to know Beau that well when we were both at USN, but I did get to know him when we were at Webb. Such a great spirit that passed too soon.

Jeff Rush

May 21, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. May God's promise comfort and sustain you through this difficult time. John 6:40.

Lolo

May 19, 2019

I was shocked to read about Beau's death. Although I haven't seen him since probably 4th grade at USN, I thought about him from time to time. May the loving memories of him bring your family joy in this difficult time.

Inga Harris

May 16, 2019

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Don Cochron

May 16, 2019

Beau will always be remembered. He was the smartest man I ever knew and I will treasure the memories of him while we were at Webb and after we left. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. You were all so kind to me and Beau knew how loved he was.

Kerry Higdon

May 15, 2019

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