John Borden Obituary
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Bruce was the son of the late Hugh and Helen Mettz Borden. He was a faithful member of Foothills Baptist Church and lived his life grounded in service, faith, and family.
Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed a lifelong sense of duty, honor, and camaraderie. Following his military service, he remained committed to his fellow veterans as a respected member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). His dedication to his country was only matched by his devotion to his family.
An accomplished locksmith, Bruce built a successful business that reflected his strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and desire to help others. He was known for his kindness, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and the smile he freely shared with everyone he met. Bruce also loved the great outdoors and took joy in sharing his appreciation for hunting and fishing with those around him.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Evelyn Juanita "Nita" Borden; his daughter, Nancy Borden; son, Brad Borden (Christine); his grandchildren, Bradley Borden (Brentley), Zaven Young, Braxton Borden, Nicole Mattison, Zachary Mattison, Shae Johnson(Quinton), Kara and CJ Brown, Amber Vincent (Austin), Angel Gilreath (Devin); as well as great-grandchildren, Remley Borden, Hadley Borden, Elyse Borden, Jazmine Aliyana, Jaquan Xavier, Zaylen Amauri, Lincoln Gilreath, and Maverick Gilreath.
Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, James Michael Borden, and his daughter, Melissa Barfield Mattison.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest, with the funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Northwest Chapel. Burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery West.
Bruce will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of service, love, and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of John with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for John Borden
Make a Donation
in John Borden's name
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Borden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
