Ray Albert Bruce

Ray Albert Bruce was born Sept. 6, 1954, in Nevada Mo., the fourth child of Albert Roy and Rose Mary Lynn Bruce. He passed away Aug. 20, 2015, at his home outside of Nevada.

Ray attended early elementary at Walker and Roscoe, graduating from Osceola High in 1973. After graduation Ray worked for a phone company burying cable throughout the Midwest. On Dec. 3, 1976, Ray was united in marriage to Rebekah (Becky) Aileen Goodwin in El Dorado Springs, Mo. To this union was born two sons, Daniel Ray and Zayne Franklin Bruce, and three grandsons.

Ray joined the Missouri National Guard in March of 1977 and retired April 1, 2003. The military trained Ray to be a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. He took many military occupational specialty classes and he became a specialist in many military fields that his experience helped and was a benefit to our country. Ray worked with his sons for Progress Rail Services throughout the country and he and the boys would travel together and work doing special construction and destruction for the railroad using their heavy equipment. As the boys would say "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Ray was known as a hard worker and a loving family man. He loved to talk and visit with anyone, about anything, but especially about his travels with work, military, and family. He also had a love for the outdoors and his Victory Motorcycle and riding with his family. He was one of the charter members of the "Eagle Riders."

Ray is survived by his wife, Becky, of the home; sons, Daniel and wife, Amanda Bruce, and Zayne and wife, Nichole Bruce, all of Nevada; his pride and joy, his grandsons, Tyson, Braxton, and Zander; siblings, Kenny Bruce, David and Linnie Bruce, Linda and Don Gannaway, John and Michelle Nelson, Judy and Rick Delk, Jerry Colbert, Gary and Elizabeth Colbert, Molly Goodwin, Richard and Debbie Goodwin, Jonnie and Connie Goodwin, Paul Goodwin, and David Goodwin; a much cherished mother, Marguerite Goodwin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray was a great friend to many, a loving and admired husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Friends may call now until the hour of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Children's Miracle Network or the Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.