A lifelong resident of Troup County, Ken was born June 5, 1939 to the late Wilson Bruce & Lois Yarbrough Smith. He graduated from Troup High School in1959, where he played football for the Troup High Tigers. Ken married his high school sweetheart Phyllis Reason Bruce in 1960.
Ken worked at Bill Johnson Motors & Metropolitan Insurance before pursuing his permanent career as an insurance agent, and opening his own business, Bruce Insurance Agency in 1974. He was an active agent for 26 years, and received the President’s Trophy Award in 1986 for Cotton States Insurance. So many of his loyal customers became dear friends and extended family to the agency. He later retired in 2000.
Ken & Phyllis were married for sixty-one years, and raised two children. He was a five-year member of Carpenter’s for Christ where he mixed the mortar and built many churches. He was a young man when ordained as a deacon, and served his own church faithfully through the years. His last service was to the Rosemont Baptist Church children’s department, greeting the children on Sunday mornings and continuing the tradition of passing out candy at the door.
After retirement he and Phyllis loved to travel in their motorhome experiencing many great places & states. They were members of Southeastern Roamers Camping Club. He also loved the beach with many dear friends enjoying time together over the years. Ken loved to deep sea fish, enjoyed seafood, and a good ‘ol fish fry. Sunday afternoons after church was always a time for resting, watching the Atlanta Falcons, and Nascar racing. He cherished the Family dinners & holidays that were such a special time to all. He was always in charge of scrambling the eggs & frying the bacon. There was much happiness, love & laughter.
Ken is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Phyllis Bruce; two children he loved dearly, Allen (LaSha) Bruce and Michele (Johnny) Green; four grand-daughters he adored, Julie (Korey) Noles, Lindsey (Ken) Truitt, Sidney (Will) Bates and Emily (Gus) Golden; six sweet great-grandbabies, Bennett, Lydia & Collier Noles, Stella & Griffin Truitt and Baby Watson Bates, due October 18, 2021; three sisters, Phyllis Hall, Debra (Danny) Black, Rene Middlebrook, and several extended family members.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00pm, on Sunday, October 17, 2021 in the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange, GA with Rev. Adam Camp and Rev. Max McCord officiating. The gathering of family & friends will take place from 2:00-3:00pm, prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions in Ken’s memory can be made to Rosemont Baptist Church. Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636
