Dr. Charles Oldham Bruce Jr.

Bruce, Dr. Charles Oldham Jr.,

96, long-time Louisville eye physician, surgeon, and former president of the Jefferson County, Kentucky Medical Society, died peacefully at his home in Jacksonville, FL on March 17, 2015.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Martha Frances Jett Bruce.

Survivors include his son, Dr. Charles O. Bruce III and his wife, Sharon W. Bruce, of Ocean Springs, MS, and daughters Cynthia A. Bruce and Patricia Bruce, both of St. Augustine, FL.

Dr. Bruce was born at the family home in New Castle, KY on May 19, 1918, to the late Charles O. Bruce, Sr. and Martha Wilson Bosley Bruce. A precocious child with an unusual knack for all things mechanical, he began driving his father's car at age 6, and maintained a lifelong enthusiasm for automobiles. He also enjoyed playing the piano and organ from an early age, winning first place at the Kentucky High School Music Festival for two consecutive years. Dr. Bruce graduated second in his class from Henry County High School in 1936, attended the Nelson College of Commerce in Cincinnati, OH, the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky State College (BS, 1941), and received his MD from the University of Louisville in 1944.

Dr. Bruce proudly served in the United States Army throughout the 1940s. Upon discharge in 1948, he and Dr. Wyatt Norvell established a successful medical clinic in New Castle, KY that marked the end of saddlebag practice by local physicians and the beginning of a modern practice in a new facility with the finest instruments and equipment. In 1951, Dr. Bruce sold his interest in the clinic to Dr. Norvell and returned to active military duty with the Army Medical Corps. He completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1954 at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC. Following three years of service at the 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany, and the 98th General Hospital in Baumholder, Germany, Dr. Bruce joined Dr. Arthur Keeney's practice at the Heyburn Building in downtown Louisville, later establishing his own ophthalmology practice in St. Matthews, KY. After leaving active military duty, he continued to serve a member of the 5010th Army Reserve Hospital. He eventually served as Commander of the hospital, retiring from the military in 1978 having attained the rank of full Colonel.

In 1979, Dr. Bruce moved to Florida, where he and his wife spent many happy years on their ranch in St. Augustine. Dr. Bruce was always a gentleman of intellect and humor who enjoyed reading, music, travel, and real estate investing. In his later years he was particularly fond of driving around in his 1928 Ford Model A Roadster. During his long and productive life he exemplified the virtues of thrift, hard work, and honesty.

Survivors also include 9 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. The family is planning a memorial service in New Castle, KY at a later date.