CHARLES BRUCE

BRUCE, Charles Alton Jr., 69, of Sandston, died peacefully at home in his sleep of the complications of Parkinson's disease on April 10, 2013. His parents were Charles A. Bruce Sr. and Florence Vincent Bruce. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Ball Bruce; by his two children and their spouses, Charles A. "Chip" Bruce III and Beverly Curtis Bruce and Elizabeth Acors "Liza" Bruce and David P. Hines; and by his two grandchildren, Rachel Ann Bruce and Charles A. "Chase" Bruce IV. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne Korman and Frances Hodges; and his aunt, Eunice Kay. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Virginia Moncure and Carolyn McLean. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members. Charles was born August 21, 1943 in Richmond, graduated from Highland Springs High School, served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, and was owner of Bruce's Auto Supply in Providence Forge for a decade. He then attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated magna cum laude. He was a dedicated teacher whose last position was as an instructor at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired. He and Judy restored a 1944 Navy sub chaser that cruised the Chickahominy and James Rivers for years. He was a lover of art and photography. He became a ballroom dancer and he and Judy shared happy memories of many Tobacco Balls. He was an avid marathoner and completed the John F. Kennedy 50-Miler three times. During Chip and Liza's high school years, he was a tremendous supporter of the HSHS Marching Band, never missed a football game, and happily hosted homecoming float building projects. He loved to travel with his family, attend "The Nutcracker" at Christmas, and enjoy meals at favorite Richmond and Georgetown restaurants. Charles met serious physical challenges with profound courage and dignity, without complaint. He was known and loved for his kindness, generosity and compassion. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a great wit. His last decade was blessed with the gift of the grand-children he adored and guided and he had looked forward to celebrating his and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary in July. A celebration of Charles's life will be held on Sunday, May 5, 1 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1600 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a contribution in Charles's memory to the Richmond Ballet, 407 E. Canal Street, Richmond, Va. 23219, or to Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester Hills, Mich. 48308-5000.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.