Wallace Durfee Bruce

Wallace Durfee Bruce, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Wallace was born on February 13, 1949, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Robert Bruce and Winona Durfee. He was the younger of two sons and was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Michael Bruce, and his loving wife, Rebecca Delaney.
Shortly after his birth, Robert and Winona moved their family to Powhatan, Arkansas, where they farmed for decades. Life on the family farm shaped Wallace's character in lasting ways—teaching him discipline, humility, hard work, and the quiet joys of early mornings, long days, and time spent hunting and fishing.
Wallace graduated from Black Rock High School, where he played both basketball and baseball while still helping his father and brother work the family land. Inspired by his father, a World War II artillery officer who served bravely in the Pacific Theatre, Wallace enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard at age 22. He joined an artillery unit on April 17, 1971, proudly following in his father's footsteps. Wallace served faithfully for six years and was honorably discharged on April 17, 1977.
After his military service, Wallace attended the University of Arkansas, majoring in business. It was there that he met the love of his life, Rebecca Delaney—then a law student at the University of Arkansas School of Law. They married and built a beautiful life together. In 1983, the couple moved to Houston, Texas, where Wallace began his long career as a car salesman, and Rebecca practiced law.
Their greatest joy came from becoming parents. In 1987, they welcomed their first son, Adam Matthew Bruce, and in 1989, their second son, Andrew Wallace Bruce. Wallace and Rebecca devoted their lives to their boys. Wallace especially loved coaching, encouraging, and watching his sons participate in baseball, basketball, football, swimming, and taekwondo. Though he had left the farm behind, the spirit of his rural upbringing remained at the heart of everything he did.
An avid outdoorsman, Wallace treasured every opportunity to fish and passed that passion on to his sons. Countless memories were made on trips to Lake Charles, Arkansas, where he spent hours teaching them how to cast a line, appreciate nature, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the water.
Wallace was known for his unmistakable laugh, infectious smile, and quick sense of humor. There was never a moment too serious for him to lighten with a joke or a story. He often shared childhood memories of his grandfather chasing him around the house after removing his dentures, or the time he fell through the ceiling of the family home—sending his brother Michael into fits of laughter as Wallace "disappeared" like part of a magic trick. Wallace cherished his older brother deeply and remained profoundly proud of Michael's son, Seth Bruce, who serves as a United States Marshal. One of Wallace's fondest holiday memories was the Christmas Seth received an Atari system—only for Wallace and Michael to spend the entire night figuring out how to set it up before playing games until sunrise.
A loyal Razorbacks fan, Wallace rarely missed an opportunity to watch Arkansas football and cheer for his alma mater.
Above all, Wallace loved his family. He found immense joy in becoming a grandfather to James and Benjamin, sons of Andrew and Margarita Bruce. Wallace adored his grandsons—asking daily about them, celebrating each milestone, and cherishing every visit, every laugh, and every small moment of watching them grow.
Wallace's life was one of quiet strength, deep love, unwavering loyalty, and a heart full of humor. He leaves behind a legacy defined by the values instilled on the family farm: work hard, love deeply, laugh often, and remain proud of who you are and where you come from.
He will be profoundly missed by his sons, Adam and Andrew; his daughter-in-law, Margarita; his beloved grandchildren, James and Benjamin; his nephew Seth, and all who were blessed to know him.
In keeping with the way Wallace lived his life—quietly, humbly, and never wanting to inconvenience or burden anyone—he requested that no formal service be held. Wallace always believed that time with family was life's greatest gift, and he hoped that those who knew and loved him would instead spend that time gathered at home with their own families. In his final years, nothing brought him more happiness than the moments he shared with his sons and, most especially, with his grandchildren, who adored him as deeply as he adored them. Honoring his memory in the comfort of home, surrounded by loved ones, is the tribute he would have cherished most.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Elaine Delaney, Rebecca's younger sister, whose kindness, care, and presence in Wallace's final days brought comfort, dignity, and peace. Her support during this difficult time will forever be remembered with deep appreciation.

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