1926
2013
E. Wesley "Doc" Bruce, 86, died Sunday evening, May 26, 2013, at Hospice of Union County. Born June 27, 1926 in Anderson County, SC, he was the youngest of 12 children born to the late John Tinsley Bruce and Iva Cromer Bruce.
Mr. Bruce graduated from Iva High School in 1943. He joined the U.S. Army, where he served from 1944 to 1946. He served in Tokyo with General McArthur's GHQ in 1945 and 1946 with the occupation forces of Japan. Following his military service, Mr. Bruce attended Anderson College in SC, and graduated in 1951 from the University of South Carolina with a BS Degree in Pharmacy. He moved to Charlotte in 1954 and worked at Sterling Drug Store. He once filled a prescription for Judy Garland when she was performing in Charlotte. In 1966, he opened Mint Hill Pharmacy, which he owned and operated until 1986, when he sold his store to Eckerd's Drugs. He retired with Eckerd's in 1991. Mr. Bruce is believed to be the first Pharmacist to practice in Mint Hill.
Mr. Bruce was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Mint Hill V.F.W., charter member of Mint Hill Lion's Club and member of the Mint Hill Masonic Lodge.
Mr. Bruce is survived by his six children, Julie Bruce Maes of Springfield, OH, Betsy Bruce Keith and husband, Clark, of Monroe, NC, Kimberly Bruce Crowe of Matthews, NC, Sandra Bruce Ellison and husband, Tim, of Weddington, NC, Eric Bruce of Chicago, IL, and Andy Bruce and wife, Kellie, of Cornelius, NC; four grandchildren, Jonathan Crowe of Charlotte, NC, Matthew Crowe of Matthews, NC, and Jesse Keith and Anna Keith, both of Monroe, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2013, at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Henry Ward will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Boulevard, Monroe, NC 28110.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
June 21, 2013
Andrea Shipley
Sorry that I just heard about your Dad and would think fondly of the times working at Mint Hill Pharmacy for him. He was the only person that would hire me as a pharmacist when we moved up from Florida in 1976 since I couldn't get my license in N.C. until I had a job and couldn't get a job until I had my license! Enjoyed every Wednesday and the 2 Saturdays a year I would work for him so he could go fishing and for sure go to a S.C. football game.
Then later on he would let me go to the gift and jewelry shows to buy merchandise to sell at the store which was a lot of fun even with the limited budget he would give me! Believe me working for a chain store is not anywhere near as much fun as it was working for your father and with all the other people at the store and the Mint Hill community.
Keep him in your memories as I will.
Andrea "ANDY" Shipley Denver, N.C.
May 30, 2013
Nancy Whitley-Garner
It was a pleasure to know your dad. I met Wes at HGBC Sunday School and we became friends through our Sunday School Class. He was a fine Christian man and I know you are very proud of all his accomplishments - most of which is that he knew the Lord. You may remember me as Nancy Whitley. I am now married and my last name is Whitley-Garner. May God be with each of you during this time of your sadness. Keep the happy memories tucked in the corner of your heart and pull them out when you feel sad. Nancy
May 29, 2013
HAROLD BRUCE
TO ALL OF UNCLE WESLEY'S CHILDREN: HE WAS THE LAST OF JT AND IVA BRUCE'S CHILDREN. I SPENT THE SUMMER OF 1979 WITH HIM WHILE TRAINING WITH DUKE ENERGY. HE WAS VERY GRACIOUS AND WE ALWAYS ENJOYED EATING AT HIS FAVORITE MEAT AND THREE AND WATCHING SPORTS. HE WILL BE MISSED. HAROLD JR. JUDY TODD JANE MADDEN ED BRUCE AND VIRGINIA C. BRUCE.
May 28, 2013
Susie Hough
Well, Bruce family, what do I say in this little space? I have known your daddy almost as long as you have.....some of you longer, because I remember when you were born!! Some of the fondest memories in my life were made working at Mint Hill Pharmacy. I loved that job and witnessed your daddy helping so very many people. Just know that he is exactly where he wanted to be and is experiencing the ultimate reunion with so many family members and friends. He IS where we all hope to be someday!! Much love to you all.
May 28, 2013
LaDonna Watts
Eric, you and your family are all in my prayers!! <3
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Funeral services provided by:
McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC 28227
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