Robert C. Bruce

Robert Cleveland Bruce, Sr., 90, of Hattiesburg, formerly of Gulfport, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.
Robert was born on December 5, 1925, in Sumrall, MS, to Oscar C. and Maggie (Young) Bruce. He was a resident of Hattiesburg, and formerly lived in Gulfport and Pass Christian until Hurricane Katrina. Robert grew up in the area around Hattiesburg-Carterville, Petal, and Sunrise-and graduated from Petal High School in June, 1944. Three days later he reported for Navy service in WW2, as a Radioman 2/C aboard USS LSM-387 in the Pacific.
He married Joan Batson Bruce, his high school sweetheart, in December, 1946, and graduated from Mississippi Southern College (now USM) in 1949. After teaching and serving as an elementary school principal in Beaumont, MS, he joined the Mississippi Power Company, for which he worked over 37 years.
He was preceded in death by first wife, Joan, and by second wife Sara Chadwick Bruce. He is survived by children Rebecca (Bill) MacIntosh, Richard (Barbara) Bruce, Robert (Myra) Bruce, Lisa (Bob) Flautt, and Bren Chadwick, as well as by nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A member and Elder Emeritus of First Presbyterian Church, Gulfport, he regularly attended Bay Street Presbyterian Church, in Hattiesburg. He was active in the Gulfport Exchange Club, and in both the Hattiesburg and Gulfport chapters of the Mississippi Power Company Retirees.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Gulfport; Bay Street Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg; Palmer Home for Children, Columbus, MS; and Presbyterian Christian School, Hattiesburg.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, with a visitation for family and friends beginning at 11:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
An online guestbook may be signed and tributes offered at www.riemannfamily.com.