In Thanksgiving to God Almighty
for the life and service of
Deacon George Arthur Bruce
October 11, 1931- November 16, 2020
George Arthur Bruce was born on October 11, 1931 in Memphis, Tennessee to Zealous and Olivia Bruce. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan.
In service to the United States of America he enlisted in two Branches of the Military, the Army and the Air Force, during World War II and the Korean War.
In the mid-50's he relocated to Rochester, New York and aligned himself with the Church Of God By Faith, on Troup and Ford Streets, under the leadership of Elder Eugene Kemp. It was there that he met and married Archie M. Williams.
From this union of 59 years were born five children; George Duval (Deceased), Gwendolyn, Michael, Dwane and Kim.
He provided for his family by employment at Rochester Railway Signal and the Xerox Corporation, from which he retired in 1994.
He was a loyal and faithful member of the church for more than 50 years and recently retired as a Senior Deacon of the Greater Adams Street Church of God By Faith under the leadership of Elder D.C. Rourk. Served on the 7 Man Board for the North Western District.
With a voice of authority and conviction Deacon Bruce would bellow the words "Holy, Holy Holy; that's what the angels are saying around the Throne of God." And, when he led the congregation in songs it would be either "Glory, Glory Hallelujah Since I Laid My Burden Down", "There's A Storm Out On The Ocean And It's Moving This O' Way If Your Soul's Not Anchored In Jesus You Will Surely Drift Away". When an altar call was made for prayers of healing Deacon Bruce would proclaim in song; "You Must Come Where The Blood Can Heal".
He never failed to electrify the congregation with songs and scriptures. When he was charged with collection the church offering the scripture of Malachi 3:8 would roll off of his tongue; "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings." Or Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Proverbs 4:7 In all your getting get understanding and
Ephesians: 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Deacon Bruce's general personality was stern; he meant what he said and said what he meant. Throughout his 89 years of life he exemplified the essence of a man of honor and integrity. This was evident in his roles as a devoted and supportive husband, a very involved parent and a role model for males in all walks of life. He was strong in his convictions, fair, honest, caring, sensitive and God fearing. A well-dressed man, with Stacy Adams as his shoes of choice, he maintained a healthy Christian example for men in how to present and conduct themselves in the House of God. He believed in a man being a man. A man don't work, don't eat. A Stickler on handling your family business as well as safety protocols.
Deacon Bruce was a masterful cook and his family specialty was (Peach cobbler & Butteroll) which were widely known throughout the community.
Deacon Bruce also enjoyed auto mechanics, welding, carpentry, being a neighborhood handyman and mentor; he was impactful in the support of family, friends and strangers. A musician-piano & bass guitar & welder. He was impactful in the support of family friends and strangers. The epitome of a loving husband, father and family man. He was our Superman, hero, Jack of all trades, master of ALL!
He was preceded in death by his Wife Archie Bruce, Son: George Duval. Siblings: Iola Williams, Jesse Bruce, and Vernon Bruce. He is survived by a Sister; Mattie Wilson of Detroit, MI, Children: Gwendolyn Burroughs (John), Michael Bruce (Sonya), Dwane Bruce (Teena) & Kim Armstrong - grandchildren, great grandchildren & great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
"Won't It Be Grand? I'm Going Home To Live With Jesus, Oh Won't It Be Grand?"
The Family of Deacon George A. Bruce gratefully acknowledge all expressions of sympathy and acts of kindness extended during this time.