Eugene "Elmer" Bruce Jr.

Eugene Elmer Bruce, Jr., age 89, passed away Monday, January 12, 2015 at Bartow Regional Medical Center. Born March 16, 1925 in Bartow, FL, Mr. Bruce was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a WW II Veteran, serving in the Army Air Corps as a B-17 Gunnery Sergeant in the battles of Rhineland, Northern France & Normandy. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr. Bruce was a Dragline Operator and Mechanic with USS Agri-Chemicals for 39 years. He was a member of the Bartow Main Street Baptist Church. Mr. Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mildred "Edie" Bruce, Bartow; two sons: Eugene E. Bruce, III, Lake Wales & James "Jim" Bruce, Troy , AL; a daughter: Cheryl Bruce Kragh, Tampa, FL; nine grandchildren & five great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Thursday, January 15, 2015, from 10- 11 A.M. at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow.