Bernard "Ben" Bruce

Bernard (Ben) Bruce a.k.a "The Safety Dude" and/or "The Wiz", departed this life peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, February 9, 2026. Ben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, and public servant. His life was marked by service, dedication, and a deep commitment to his country, family, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Bernard was born in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Quintin and Margery (Cephas) Bruce on August 6, 1950. Following graduation from Pierre S. Dupont High School in 1969 where he developed skills in public speaking and theater, Ben joined the Air Force and thus began his military career.

For 26 years, Ben served his country with tours in Vietnam, Korea, Greece, Germany, Japan, and a host of other countries. As an airman, Ben began his career as an Air Traffic Control. He later transitioned to an ATC instructor and ended his long career as the Occupational Safety and Health Manager at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Ben retired as a Senior Master Sargent in June 1995 on the same day that his son, David, enlisted in the Air Force at Lackland.

His major honors include 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Commendation Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the NATO medal. In 1996, Ben returned to serve the military as a Civil Servant and for another 26 years he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona as the Occupational Safety and Health Supervisor or "Safety Dude". After 52 years of service to his country, Ben finally retired in July 2021.

Ben was an active member of the Archer-Ragsdale Tuskegee Airman Chapter. He was deeply committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman ensuring their contribution, courage, and sacrifice would never be forgotten. He was awarded the Department of Defense Diversity Award for his work promoting the Tuskegee Airman's story. Another hobby of Ben's was performing magic. Under the stage name of The Wiz, Ben enjoyed performing for children in the community and occasionally at safety trainings and/or Commander's Call.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Arlene (Sugar) Simpers, his children: David (Heather) Bruce, Kelley (Van) Hollie, Angelique, and Bianca (Patrick) Nielsen; 7 grandchildren: Mya, Ocean, D'Anjolo, Kaiah, Rhema, Sloane, and Zoe Joy. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Quentin, and cousin, Sharon Trader, his sisters-in-law, Alice (Ron) Reid, AraBell (Wayne) Latney, Toni (Lance) Bruce, his brother-in-law Delbert (Rachel) Simpers; and a foster daughter, Brittany (Tyler) Colby and their 3 children: Emily, Sophia, and Eleanor. He was a steady guiding presence in their lives offering wisdom, strength, and unwavering love.

Ben will be remembered for his integrity, his quiet strength, his deep sense of duty, and his enduring love for his family. His legacy will live on through the people he protected, the history he preserved, and the family he cherished.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 5th at 11:30am. Visitation will begin at 10am. Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel is located at 1378 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West, AZ, 85375

Interment will be at the National Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85024

Repass will take place at Marley Park Homestead Clubhouse following interment; 14340 W. Andora St, Surprise, AZ, 85379.