Francis E. Bruce

BRUCE, Francis Eugene, 89, of Doswell, Va., departed this life on February 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Hegg and Laura Carter; brothers, Aubrey, General (John), Frank, Leonard, Elwood Bruce, and Wesley Bruce; and sisters, Betty Shook, Shirley Bailes, Rosa Mae Brown, and Ethel Grace Shook. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Helen Lamb of Baltimore, Md.; son, Jeffrey Scott Bruce (Tabitha) of Beaverdam, Va.; daughter, Melanie Ann Bruce Wheeler (Paul) of Mechanicsville, Va.; three grandchildren, Madeline Grace Wheeler, Mariel Annette Wheeler and Marlo Arden Wheeler; one brother, Robert L. Bruce, Sr.; sisters, Virginia Breedlove, Evelyn Barlow, and Dorothy Jarrell; and many nephews, nieces, and friends. Francis was a life-long farmer, taking pride in growing his watermelons, cantaloupes, and tomatoes. He sold his produce at markets in Fredericksburg, Dale City, Route 3, and locally. He would always say selling Christmas trees was a blessing to celebrate Christmas and if you had a good family, you had a pot of gold. Bruce loved his church family and served as Usher for many years. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at the Nelsen Funeral Home, Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Carmel Baptist Church, with burial at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Carmel Baptist Church, 24320 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Ruther Glen, Va. 22546.