John Robert Bruce, Jr.

John Robert Bruce, Jr., 75, of Huntington, WV, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Rivers Bend Health Care in South Point, Ohio. He was born July 19, 1938, in Huntington, to the late John R. and Nevada Earl Bruce. John was a graduate of the 1956 class at Huntington High School, and also a 1974 graduate from Marshall University. He was a retired engineer from Marathon Ashland Petroleum Company with over 25 years of service, and from Eta Engineering Consultants. He was a lifelong musician, performing for a brief time as pianist with the Gospel Harmony Boys in 1957-58, and was a past member of the American Federation of Musicians Local #362-691 while performing in several groups including those led by Larry Navy and Bill Spurlock. John was a devoted member of Second Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, choir director and organist. He was a dedicated husband and loving father. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Betty Ann Ellis Bruce, and two sisters Marcella Sizemore and Lillian Johnson. He is survived by his son J. Robert Bruce, III and his wife Patti of Huntington, two grandchildren John R. Bruce, IV and Lindsay Ann Marie Bruce; one sister Rilla Bruce Kilver; and several nieces and nephews: Roberta Ackerman, John F. Kilver, Shirley Perego, Jeanne Lusk Speakes, Russ Allen Fortner, Mike Fortner, Debbie Ferguson and Tammy Ballengee. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 pm Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the Reger Funeral Chapel, Huntington, WV by Rev. Jamie Gump. Burial will follow with committal services being conducted by Rev. David Richards at Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Reger Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Huntington, and to the Second Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.regerfh.com. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Rivers Bend Health Care, the J. Robert Pritchard Dialysis Center, and to Hospice of Huntington for their loving care and support.