Bruce Behrendt

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bruce Behrendt, age 65, who left us on November 30, 2025 with his loving family at his side. Born August 15,1960, in the beautiful city of Naha, Okinawa, Japan, Bruce was the cherished son of the late Conrad Duane Behrendt and Yoshiko Chitose Behrendt. He grew up in this tropical paradise alongside his brother and sister, returning in 2007 to reconnect with the family that still calls it home.

Bruce later moved to New Bern, North Carolina, where he fell in love with the coastal beauty and developed a passion for hunting and fishing. A proud graduate of East Carolina University, his college years were filled with cultivating lifelong friendships, including that of his beloved wife, Traci. They married and eventually settled in Zebulon, NC, where they raised their daughters, Emilee and Krista. Bruce was a loving and involved father.

In his professional life, Bruce excelled as a banker, forging strong bonds with clients who quickly became friends. His dedication to community extended beyond his career. As an active member of Zebulon Baptist Church, he served as an ordained deacon, taught Sunday school, and joyfully chaperoned youth church camps and mission trips. His leadership roles included serving as president of the East Wake Education Foundation board and as a past president of the Zebulon Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Jaycees.

Outside of work and service, Bruce was an avid supporter of the ECU Pirate Club, and a big fan of ECU football and baseball, relishing the excitement of tailgating in Greenville with friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Traci Winstead Behrendt; his daughter, Emilee Behrendt Estes and her husband, Charles Garrett Estes; his precious granddaughter, Bodhi Yoshiko Estes; his daughter, Krista Brooks Behrendt; his sister, Mary Behrendt Nobles and her husband, Joe Nobles; his "twin" brother, Ted Behrendt and his wife, Tammy Behrendt; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and his loyal labradoodle, Salter.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Zebulon Baptist Church, located at 400 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon. The family invites friends and relatives to join them for fellowship immediately following the service in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bruce's honor to East Wake Education Foundation, Zebulon Baptist Church, or Healing Transitions. Condolences may be shared with the family at poolefuneral.com in the Obituaries section.

May Bruce's spirit continue to shine through the love he shared and the lives he touched.