Bruce Glenn Brookshire

Bruce Glenn Brookshire went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, April 16, 2010. Affectionately known as "The Prune Peddler," Bruce led a long and energetic life, one in which he was an inspiration of optimism as a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle and loyal friend.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at Green Acres Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today, April 19, 2010, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. A private burial will be held prior to the memorial service.

He loved the Lord and worshiped Jesus Christ. In that commitment, he served as a deacon, elder and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church. He is a past member of Green Acres Baptist Church, where the music ministry spoke to his heart each Sunday.

Bruce was born December 3, 1928, to W.T. and Louise Brookshire, deceased. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood attending Gary Elementary School, Hogg Junior High School and Tyler High School, where he played football and was president of the student council. He continued his education by attending the New Mexico Military Institute, where he lettered in boxing and football. He was inducted into the NMMI Hall of Fame in 1990.

His further education included attending the University of Texas at Austin, where he belonged to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and the Silver Spurs (honorary men's service organization). It was at UT that Bruce met the love of his life, the late Peaches Parker Brookshire. He loved to tell the story of how he first laid eyes on her in the Kappa Kappa Gamma 'pledge line.' They were married August 30, 1950. They had two sons, Bruce Tim and Britton Parker.

In 1950, Brookshire interrupted his education to come home to Tyler to work alongside his father in the grocery business. Bruce held leadership positions of store manager, district supervisor, VP of personnel, executive VP, and in 1969, he served as president of the family business.

After the death of the founder, W.T. Brookshire, Bruce became the chairman of the board of Brookshire Grocery Co., a retail supermarket chain of stores in 122 cities in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, which employs 12,600 partners. Bruce's magnetic personality and infectious smile were well known to all employees. Bruce loved "the partners" and enjoyed being out in the stores to encourage and compliment their hard work. "We have a SMILE in store for you," "Pay obsessive attention to each customer," "We don't sell just food, we sell warm, friendly, courteous customer service!" were slogans Bruce not only created, but philosophies by which he strived to live.

Honesty and uncompromising integrity were tenents of his business dealings throughout his life. On many occasions, Bruce would privately give financial assistance to a partner who had a particular need. The stories of his personal gestures of kindness one-on-one to the partners are vast, each one a unique and a cherished memory of a remarkably kind gentleman.

There were 10 Brookshire Grocery stores when Bruce joined the family business. Throughout his 30 years as chairman of the board, his vision and leadership saw the company grow to 156 stores, entering new markets of competition in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. In 1968, he was instrumental in the warehouse relocation from Front Street to the current Loop 323/Old Jacksonville location of 128 acres.

He derived the development of employee recognition banquets to motivate and congratulate partners. Through his efforts of paying partners generously with excellent benefits, the company was protected from union membership. Bruce implemented a Christmas Gift Check about 40 years ago, to show year-end appreciation to all the partners in the company. More officers were promoted under Bruce's leadership than in any other time in the history of the company. He truly believed and valued the recognition of people.

Corporately, Bruce embraced the need for manufacturing as an artery for the company's success. In 2002, one of his greatest accomplishments was the supervision of the acquisition of 21 Albertson's and Winn Dixie stores that the management team converted and reopened in 28 days. His unwavering encouragement was a source of strength to the team of partners who diligently carried out the remarkable conversion in record time. Bruce instigated a timely Management Incentive Bonus given upon the completion of major corporate accomplishments. These and many other similar stories will be the respectful legend the chairman emeritus leaves behind.

Brookshire was an avid outdoorsman who traveled the globe on hunting and fishing adventures. He loved sharing this passion with his sons and grandchildren as he taught them to rattle up deer, set the hook on fish and enjoy being in God's nature. Other hobbies included tree planting and conservation, public speaking and reciting poetry. A true philanthropist, Bruce gave generously and often to charities in Tyler and throughout Texas. He wanted to help make life better for others. It was this unwavering compassion together with humility that found his name simply listed as 'anonymous' on many of his gifts. His smile was perpetual and contagious, and he will always be remembered for his unyielding optimism. Brookshire received the Boy Scouts of America, East Texas Area Council's First Distinguished Citizen Award in 1992. He received the Tyler United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award in 1992, the Life Member Award of the East Texas Peace Officers Association in 1996 and the 2005 Flame of Excellence Award from All Saints Episcopal School. In addition, he was a charter member of the National Salvation Army's William Booth Society, the Tyler Salvation Army Others Award and the American Cancer Society's Excalibur Award.

He served as one of the founding directors of Southside State Bank, a director of Citizens First National Bank, director of Texas Bureau of Economic Understanding, University of Texas at Tyler Foundation, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Foundation, Tyler Catholic School Foundation, Educational Radio Foundation of East Texas, and was on the advisory board of the Regional East Texas Food Bank and Tyler Junior College Foundation Board. Past and recent memberships include Willow Brook Country Club and Hollytree Country Club. He has served as director of Tyler Kiwanis Club, Tyler Y.M.C.A., Smith County United Fund, Salvation Army and East Texas Hospital Foundation.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, W.T. and Helen Louise Brookshire; wife of 53 years, Peaches Parker Brookshire; his brother, Shirley Wood Brookshire; sister-in-law, Ann Howard Brookshire; and most recently his brother-in-law, Darrold Cannan.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carrie Andrews Brookshire; his children, who were the joy of his life: Tim and his wife, Michelle, and Britt and his wife, Sunni; his nine grandchildren, who were the source of his pride: Amy, Clint, Garnett, Blake and his wife, Mollie, Chad, Ross, Caroline, Emma and Bruce. Each of their lives will forever be enhanced by the many lessons taught by their "Poppa" Bruce. Extended family members whom he adored include: Decie Johnston Brookshire, Kay Parker Cannan, Judy Parker Clymer and Ray Clymer, Alicia and Kevin Ryan; and many nieces and nephews: Mr. and Mrs. Brad Brookshire, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Womack, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Brookshire, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brookshire, Mr. and Mrs. Al Cannan, Ms. Connie Annas, Mr. and Mrs. Parker Cannan, Mr. and Mrs. Parker Ford and Ms. Garnett Ogden.

The family expresses a special thank you to Jeanell and Jesse Richardson for their many years of unselfish and faithful care. The family is most grateful for the professional care of the physicians listed below as honorary pallbearers. The family also wishes to thank the caregivers Karen Hopson, Tonya Stewart, Vernetta Stevens and Cherlynn Wheeler for their compassionate care during Mr. Brookshire’s illness.

Pallbearers include his friends: Jamie Boring, Frank Budde, Bob Buford, Herb Buie, Ray Clymer, George Deese, Bill Hartley, Dick Knowlton, Allen Locklin, Curtis Mewbourne, Jack Phillips, Judge Tom Ramey, Dr. Pat Thomas, Lewis Timberlake, Bernie Ward and the many dear friends who preceded him to heaven.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the past and present board of directors of Brookshire Grocery Co.; Bruce’s nephews, Johnny Skelton, Preston Triplett, James Hardin, Charles Davis, Marvin Massey, Rick Rayford and Bob Moore. Additional honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Ryan, Jessie Richardson, Harold Beaird, Dr. Svetislava Vukelja, Dr. George Plotkin, Dr. Royal Becker, Dr. Hamp Williams, Dr. Steve Keuer, Dr. Craig Harrison and Dr. Larry Anderson.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the All Saints Episcopal School, East Texas Crisis Center, East Texas Food Bank, Grace Community School, Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.

For more information or to express condolences visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com