Edgar Wayne Bruce

Edgar Wayne (Ed) Bruce, 86, died peacefully at home on June 7, surrounded by his family. Ed was born in Temple, Texas, in 1930. He was selected “Freshman Favorite” in high school, which matches the man we laughed with and loved. After graduating from the University of Texas in Industrial Engineering, he joined the Marine Corps and entered Officers school. Ed flew several different aircraft including the SNJ, T28, Douglas Skyraider, and two early jet aircraft, the Panther and Cougar. He was aircraft carrier qualified. Dad was hired in by Eastern Air Lines in 1957 and flew the Martin 404, Convair 440, Lockheed Constellation, Douglas DC9, and Boeing 727, ending his career as Captain on the Airbus A300. Based in Miami during his early EAL years, Ed and his family moved to Atlanta in 1970. Ed leaves his wife of 58 years, June Bruce; grown children Gregory Bruce, Tracy Bruce, Toni Smith and Jason Bruce; grandchildren Erik, Sylvia, Ana Camille, Jonathan, Dylan, Lane and Beth. He is also survived by his sister Edith and brother Rogers. Ed and June celebrated their 58th anniversary on June 1. His favorite thing in life was his family, and we are all better people for having him in our lives. Dad could tell and take a joke. He was always the life of the party and enjoyed tennis and square dancing. Dad chose to be cremated and asked that some of his remains go back to Texas. Dad was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia – an affliction closely resembling both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and consequently often misdiagnosed. To learn more, visit www.lbda.org . Those wishing to donate, please consider LDBA or the Michael J Fox foundation – www.michaeljfox.org. Our family is thankful for the support of mom and dad’s many wonderful friends during these last couple of difficult weeks. We will celebrate our father’s life at a gathering on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Smoke Rise Country Club in Stone Mountain.