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Bruce Beesley Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Beesley
Lee Moore
October 21, 2023
Thank you for giving us all another opportunity to honor Bruce's memory...
I, personally, will NEVER forget Bruce. My favorite Chiffon moment was on Halloween at the club "Friends". It was THE place to be and be seen. The club was PACKED that night and 90% of the people there were in some sort of Halloween garb. I heard some ruckus from the front of the building and then bursting through the crowd came Chiffon (Bruce) in full makeup, piled high wig, full length dress with a huge hoop skirt, and was followed by an entourage dressed in the same manner as Chiffon. Well, to say the place went wild would be a vast understatement. The crowd went crazy with cheering and whistling and applause. It was absolute pandemonium! One of those moments in time that live on in your memory forever. THAT was one hell of an entrance and a Halloween night to remember.THAT was Bruce
No one who knew him could possibly forget him. I know I never will
Love Ya Bruce,
Lee (Rose) Moore
Tricia Ashcraft
November 9, 2011
Bruce was a great friend and had a heart as big as Texas. He liked to live life big and bold as well. I will miss him.
Farrah Jones
November 8, 2011
Bruce, you were a big part of my growing up in San Angelo. I can't even imagine what life would have been like without you. I'm sorry we couldn't get together when I returned. Bon Voyage. You had a great life.
Micah Starkey
November 3, 2011
What a spectacular person Bruce was. His zest for EVERYTHING was and still is inspiring. You could not help but feel part of something special when Bruce was around, that was his gift.
I knew Bruce through my uncle, Bubba Neligh, he and Bruce were key players in the cast of characters that made growing up in San Angelo really magical…
My heart felt condolences to the whole Beesley Clan.
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Mark Durkay
October 30, 2011
This earth has lost, and heaven has gained, a great man. He will be sorely missed by all who have known him,as he has touched and enriched us all. My life is the better for having him as a friend,and I will miss him dearly. Goodby Peanut.
June Bratton
October 30, 2011
The most amazing costume I have ever seen was designed by Bruce for Chiffon. It was made entirely from red cellophane including the cape and hat. Chiffon was singing to My Funny Valentine. I painted faces and saw costuming for 28 years. I will never forget this one!!!!!! I also treasure his sharing John Lennon's song- Imagine- with me one night as we visited. Bruce was truly one of a kind and his being included everything possible. We should all be so capable and lucky and fun loving. Thank you,darling!
Mary Butler
October 30, 2011
Bruce was a very talented and gifted person. He was a true San Angelo icon. I am very honored to have had him as a friend.
Erin Dudley
October 29, 2011
Bruce was a wonderful and dear man. He will be sorely missed.
Bruce Farrell
October 29, 2011
Bruce will be missed, it was a pleasure knowing him!
Sherrey Roberts
October 28, 2011
Heaven just got a little more interesting! Rest in peace Bruce. You were a bright light and will be remembered! Thank you for all the wonderful memories!
Cyndi Moellenkamp
October 26, 2011
I'd know Bruce half my life it seems and I was one of his greatest champions I will dearly miss him. He touched me in so many ways and I will continue to champion him. I love you Bruce.
Michael Jones
October 26, 2011
Bruce touched so many lives and will be very much so missed. I am grateful that I was able to know him.
Roxann Campbell
October 25, 2011
I met Bruce in 1980 when my mom, Tex and I moved to San Angelo. My Grandmother, Muriel Kile, recommended Bruce. Back then, he had The Best Little Hair House in Texas! Bruce introduced me to BIG TEXAS hair, and I wore it well. He knew how to build confidence, and was kind to all. Even after moving to Florida, I kept my holiday hair appointment with Bruce. He always worked me in no matter what. I will miss his love for living life to the fullest, and his generous giving soul....And, my holiday hair visit.
Condolences, and loving thoughts to the Beesley family.
Chance Henderson
October 25, 2011
He was my stylist, my customer, and my friend. Thank you, Bruce. I'm a better person just for having known you.
Clair Tankersley
October 24, 2011
I just found out today about Bruce's passing. My sincerest condolences to all the family.
Bill Seaman
October 24, 2011
I met Bruce in the 7th grade and we buddied around until college took us different directions. When you became Bruce's friend, you also became friends with his family and everyone he knew. That was exactly the way he wanted it. Bruce's talents were endless, his passion for life exhausting, and his humor divine. God bless you Bruce. You were my friend.
Deborah Moon Chavez
October 24, 2011
Love and Miss you Bruce my dear friend...You will always be in my heart..Deborah Moon Chavez
Nancy Mayer Allan
October 23, 2011
Bruce and I were elementary and junior high buds and would've continued forever, I'm certain, except I left San Angelo. I am so happy he found a creative path in which to express his warm and wonderful heart By the way, he has always had a big smile on his face!
Charles Bradshaw
October 23, 2011
My condolences to the Beesley family. Since meeting Bruce in 1976, I had a friend I could talk with about almost anything, knowing he truly cared and would offer me his honest opinon, which sometimes would be no opinion at all.
We will miss him and always remember him, "darlin."
Charles Bradshaw
nathaniel fridman
October 22, 2011
i just heard about the death of Bruce today Charles Bradshaw knew him. We are both sad he has passed away. My condolenc
es to the family.
Amy Raymond Cohn
October 22, 2011
Bruce was one of the most special people - he inspired you to go further with everything whether it be a creative endeavor, business or even just dinner. His excitement always made you feel so good to be around, and his love was genuine for everyone. In honor of Bruce, I will open up that good bottle of wine, order the best thing on the menu, make sure I have dessert and not be afraid of wearing an outfit I love just because it seems 'too much'. We raise our glasses to you Bruce!
Brent Jenkins
October 22, 2011
I met Bruce several years ago now - as did many - at the Angelo Civic Theatre. He was always fun and funny and a true colorful character. I will miss his laugh and his humor but the fun stories with Bruce and the memories I will always cherish.
Shireen Jackson
October 22, 2011
Prayers for Bruce and family. What a wonderful obitiuary and tribute to his life and his contributions. He will be remembered and missed by many.
Caroline Starry LeBlanc
October 22, 2011
I first met Bruce when I was a little girl, as my mom has been a fan and a client of his since the 80's. He is one of the most lovely people I've ever known and I was very sad to hear about his passing. I'm comforted knowing he lived a rich, talented, loving, adventurous, and entertaining life. Farewell, Chiffon! Goodnight, Bruce.
Lee Rose Moore
October 22, 2011
It didn't matter where I saw Bruce, he always hugged me.....big. I loved that...
What a loving and generous man.
Nichole Carriger
October 22, 2011
Bruce will absolutely be missed by San Angelo. He always had a way of making me laugh no matter how hard things were in my life. He could tell stories about his travels or just go on and on about something Atticus did and lighten my load. I'll never forget the Halloween He was Anna Nicole Smith's Old Man! Love and miss you Bruce.
PATRICIA QUALE-BRIGHT
October 21, 2011
I will miss my friend of 35 years.We would yell at each other all around town,I was Sister or Patricia,you were BRUCE THE BEAUTY. I will miss you from BO BO's and your DAVID NEVIN YARD CLOTHES.
Perry Flippin
October 21, 2011
I met Bruce only once, but he made an indelible impression. He came to my wife's deathbed and styled her hair only days before her passing in 2006. He refused my pay. It was a kindness I shall never forget.
Dustin Parks
October 21, 2011
He changed the way I saw people in this world. He opened my small town eyes to the celebration of differences in humanity and was partly responsible for making me into the man I am. He will be missed.
Rebecca Book Warnick
October 21, 2011
Dear Beesley Family- I'm so sorry for your loss. I was Bruce's client for only about three years before I moved to Austin to go to UT. I think I was 16 when I met him, and I got the impression that I may have been one of the most uptight young people he had ever encountered. His passion for life and his hilarious (and loud)admonishments to me to have more fun really made an impression on me and almost 30 years later, I've never forgotten him. I feel lucky to have crossed his path, especially at that time in my life.
Donn Blosser
October 21, 2011
I am saddened at Bruce passing. He was a friend to everyone. He knew no bounds in his quest for life, laughter and friendship. Memories of Bruce and his zany ways shall always be with me.
Septima Green
October 21, 2011
I am privileged to have known Bruce since he was five years old. It's not surprising that adorable little boy became such a talented and amiable man. His alertness and awareness gave him an appreciation of life every day.
May God bless his wonderful, loving family as they grieve his loss and hold dear the memories of Bruce's life.
Chris & Noma Fowler-Sandlin
October 21, 2011
I will never forget one particular Bruce story. He'd had a brunch, and for the centerpiece used a cage of finches. The next day, we pondered what happened to those birds. With a flourish of his hand in the air he said, "Oh, honey, I gave them their freedom!"
Enjoy your freedom, Bruce. You fared better in life than those finches!
Lori Clayton
October 21, 2011
you will be missed!! You were loved by many.
Charles & Debi Nightingale
October 21, 2011
We met Bruce while working on a production at Angelo Civic Theatre. That was the beginning of a very enjoyable and memorable acquaintance. He was an engaging character, definitely one-of-a-kind. I don't think I ever saw him down; he was enjoying every minute of what he was engaged in. Our sympathies to Bruce's family and many close friends.
Becky Chandler
October 21, 2011
I only knew Bruce in the salons, but he was witty, kind, friendly and funny. A really nice person.
Melissa Denning (Ashcraft)
October 21, 2011
Bruce made life in San Angelo bearable for me as a teen with his flair for taste, culture, over the top ways and sense of humor. Through him I had my first glimpse of how a party should be hosted. My favorite memory is of him configuring my bright red hair into a beehive for a United Way benefit hair show. Thank you for the memories and belly ache laughs. You are missed-Melissa Denning (Ashcraft)
Laurie Correia
October 21, 2011
I am so fortunate to have know Bruce. He was a treasure to all!
Barbara Carmon
October 21, 2011
Bruce was so into everything; movies, books, cooking, family, friends, his clients, his dog, Atticus, and his new salon; I will miss him so much. May God bless him as he joins his Heavenly family; and may God bless his earthly family in this time of sorrow; my future beauty appointments will not be quite the same without his sweet spirit.
Becky Soboski
October 21, 2011
I met Bruce at Angelo Civic Theater in 1989 in my first production. He was a joy to be around, as you never knew what was going to happen next! His quick wit and hardy laugh will be missed. Becky Soboski
October 21, 2011
Although I had only been his client for a little over 5 years; he was special to me. I will miss him very much. May God bless him and the family he left behind as well as the host of friends that he made feel special. Barbara Carmon
October 21, 2011
Bruce & Atticus were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood 8 years ago. We have truly lost a wonderful neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends. Debbie & Joe (San Angelo, TX)
Tanya Gutierrez
October 21, 2011
Your memory will love forever, my friend... I will hold you here in my heart ~
Gail stillwell
October 21, 2011
Bruce made my life so much more fun. Thanks for all the laughs and memories. He was certainly one if a kind!
Tess Denton
October 21, 2011
Bruce, you will be truly missed. Your quirky sense of humor! Your catchy laugh,and your just all around happy-self! My prayers are with your family! I know you are in a safer place, and everyone will have beautiful hair!! God Bless!
Glenda Sikes
October 21, 2011
My condolences to Bruce's family. He spoke about you all with such fondness and pride, over the years I knew him.
I will sorely miss his smile and hug and "Hello, darlin' ", and talking about movies with him.
Our copy of "Gay in America" will always hold with it, for me, my memory of him sharing his profile and photo with me, from his advance copy of the book. He was so proud to be included; after seeing the book, I agree the pride was well-founded.
So very Bruce to request that donations be made to Concho Valley P.A.W.S. :-).
Glenda Sikes (and Rodney & Andrew Sikes)
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