On Friday, October 15, Pastor Bruce E. Townsend passed from this world into eternal life to meet his Lord and Savior Whom he loved and served faithfully. Born on August 23, 1956 into a military family, Bruce lived at locations from Newfoundland to Texas. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 18 and served his country for six years. Bruce married Janie Wallace on February 2, 1980 and they were blessed with 6 children. In 1987 he graduated from UNC Charlotte with a BSEE degree and subsequently worked as a process engineer for SIECOR in Hickory, NC. Bruce realized that he did not have a personal relationship with God when, at a revival meeting, he heard the evangelist read Revelation 21:8. The phrase, “and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” convicted him and he knew in his heart this was his last opportunity to trust Christ as His Savior. He repented of his sin, and asked God to save him, putting his faith and trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Bruce’s life now belonged to God and he fully surrendered to God’s plan for his life. He enrolled at Ambassador Baptist College in Shelby, NC in the fall of 1996, and graduated in 2003. The Lord led him to Calvary Bible Church in Stratton, Maine to serve as Pastor, which he faithfully did until his passing.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Joyce Townsend.
Bruce leaves behind his wife, Janie, of 41 years, and his six children: Matthew of La Crescenta, CA, Amanda (Adam) Fenske of Stratton, ME, Elizabeth (Dan) Brubaker of Hershey, PA, Jonathan (Stephanie) of Fairfield, ME, Nathan (Priscilla) of Corinth, ME, and Rebekah Townsend of the home, as well as twenty-one grandchildren; his sister, Tricia (Randy) Seagle, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws survive him also.
If Bruce were here, he would to want tell you that God is good all the time, and leave you with three thoughts: God loves you, Jesus died for you, and God has a plan for your life.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 11 AM at Catawba Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 AM– 11 AM at the funeral home.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Townsend Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
