Joseph T Bruce, Sr.

Joseph Taggart Bruce Sr., 97, of Camden and formerly of Abbeville, husband of the late Nellie Edwards Bruce, died Friday, April 5, 2019.

Born Dec. 20, 1921, in Abbeville, he was a son of the late Charles Jacob Bruce and Leila Willis Bruce. He was a graduate of Abbeville High School. In 1942, at the age of 22, Mr. Bruce began his World War II service with the U.S. Army. He completed his basic training at Camp Pickett in Virginia and, during his three and a half years of service, traveled to England, France, Czechoslovakia, Germany and Holland. He attained the rank of corporal.

After returning to Abbeville from military service, Mr. Bruce operated a service station, Bruce’s Service Station, in downtown Abbeville for approximately 15 years. He then opened Bruce’s Phillips 66 at the corner of S.C. 72 and Secession Avenue. At the time of his retirement, he had operated/owned service stations for 40 years.

Mr. Bruce was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Abbeville. He served as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, steward and usher. He also served on the Pastor’s Parish Committee, the Nominating Committee and two building committees, and was a member of the Epworth League. He was also an associate member of Lakeview Baptist Church in Camden.

Very active in the Abbeville community, he worked with Helping Hands for six years and Meals on Wheels for 18 years. He served as a member of the Mental Health Association of Abbeville. His hobbies were reading, gardening and traveling.

Mr. Bruce is survived by two children, Joseph Taggart Bruce Jr. of Columbia and Martha J. Bruce of Camden, and dear family friend, Peggy Spivey.

In addition to his wife of 66 years and parents, Mr. Bruce was predeceased by his three brothers, Charles Stephenson Bruce, Anthony Willis Bruce and William Thurmond Bruce.

Services will be held at 3 pm on Sunday at the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Wayman Coleman III, with burial to follow in Melrose Cemetery.

The family will receive friends before the service at the funeral home from 2-3 pm. 

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels.