Miles Bruce

Miles Elliott Bruce, 83, of Greer passed away Sunday, May 31, 2015 at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Born July 11, 1931, to Edgar and Genelle Dobson Bruce, Miles was a lifelong resident of Greer. He graduated from Greer High School in 1949, then went on to major in Arts and Sciences at Clemson University. A natural born leader, he served as the University’s Student Body President. Upon graduation, Miles received a regular commission from the U.S. Army. He spent three years serving in Korea and Missouri as an ROTC instructor. Discharged from regular duty in 1956, Miles remained in the Army Reserves for 28 years, earning the rank of full colonel prior to retirement. Miles was a salesman for Richtex Corporation for 35 years. He served his community in numerous ways, as a little league coach, as president of the Greer Peach Festival, and as an officer with the Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifetime member of the Greer Lions Club. Miles was a loyal member of IPTAY for 64 years. He was consistently among the top representatives, always promoting the university and his Tigers. A lifelong member of Greer First Baptist Church, Miles was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was a choir member and deacon. Miles loved to be around people, always teasing them in a kind-natured way. He was proud of his family and loved taking them on annual beach vacations. He made the best cakes and pimento cheese. He was as strong and structured as one would expect an Army colonel to be but was also lovable and affectionate, always offering a big hug and a “Love you, shug.” Miles was married to the former Shirley Jones of Greer and together they had two sons. Following Shirley’s passing in 1996, Miles married the former Betty Long Powers. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: two sons, Meb Bruce and wife Vivian of Atlanta; and Jeff Bruce and wife Cindy, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; one stepson, Jeff Powers of Lexington; six grandchildren, Keisha Shoun and husband Corey of Johnson City, Tenn.; Miles E. Bruce III and wife Sara of Atlanta; Maren Valerio and husband Tom of Atlanta; Nick Bruce of Chattanooga; Zach Powers and wife Samantha of Greer; and Jacob Powers and wife Brittani of Lexington; and five great grandchildren; Carson Miles Bruce, Lyla Elaine Shoun, Mason Baynes Bruce, Thomas Elliott Valerio, and JP Powers. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Greer First Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Wilson Nelson and Dr. Rick Ezell. Burial will be held at Wood Memorial Park with full military honors. Jay Crim and Bo Edwards will serve as pallbearers alongside Miles’ grandsons, Miles, Nick, Zach and Jacob. Honorary pallbearers will be Dottie Bryson, John Rush, Dennis Sides, and Ken Tucker along with members of the Greer Lions Club and the Willing Workers Sunday School class of Greer First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at The Wood Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Suite 5850, Greenville, SC 29601 or Greer Community Ministries, P.O. Box 1373, Greer, SC 29652. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Miles Bruce

July 11, 1931 - May 31, 2015