Billy Lee Bruce

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Billy Lee Bruce, son of the late Orgel and Juanita (Gorham) Bruce, was born October 12, 1939 in Hidden Creek, Arkansas.  He departed this life July 22, 2023 in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 83 years, 9 months and 10 days.  He was united in marriage to Norma Hennington July 1, 1960.  Bill proudly served in the Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant E6.  During his working years, he worked for Bailey County Electric and Five Area Telephone.  Later he started his own business a Master Electrician and HVAC contractor.  Upon retiring in 2010, they moved to Melbourne.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years:  Norma Bruce of Melbourne; cousins Eugene Bull, Martha (Danny) Wilkerson,  Vivian Mitchell, Jeralene Love, Imagene James, Nick and Morgan Bull all of Melbourne; nephew:  Ricky (Lawana) Hudson of Pecan Gap, Texas; niece Judy Jacobs of Muleshoe, Texas; special friends, Franz, Ann and Aaron Gschwadegger of Melbourne; Stephanie Edwards of Earth, Texas, Retha Schubert of McAlister, Oklahoma; Laroyce Harniss, Vivian Wattum, Joyce Alexander and Pat Porterand; his beloved cats:  Radar and Tripod and a host of other relatives and many good friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Visitation and funeral service will be Wednesday, July 26 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Mike Conyers officiating.  Burial will follow at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne.

Pallbearers:  Franz Gschwandegger, Aaron Gschwandegger, Jerry Ward, Micah Cooper, Danny Wilkerson and Ricky Hudson.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Jody Russell, Dr. Donald Wright, George Martinez, Paul Rhodes, Dale Griswald, Larry Combs, Delmo Sims.