Willie Bruce York

Willie Bruce York, 81, passed away in Houston, TX, surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Bruce was born on October 11, 1942 in Ramer, TN to Thetus York and Drewsyler (Reed) York. Known to many of his friends as “Red” and most of the family as Bruce, he attended elementary school and high school in Ramer, TN. After high school, he moved to Chicago, IL and worked in operations and production at Brach's Candy Company for over 35 years, retiring as a Plant Engineer. Bruce was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Army (35th Engineer Group, 553d Engineer Company) from March 24,1964 until March 18,1966. The 553d Engineer Company was stationed at Fort Campbell where the unit was attached to the 101st Airborne. In 1966, after returning from Vietnam, Bruce met Sandra McKnight in Chicago and they were later married in Corinth, MS. Together, they raised their daughter, Wendy Kaye Perry, and their son, Bruce Chadrick York. He later married Patty Klein, and they moved back to his family home in Ramer, TN. Bruce moved to Houston, TX in February 2023 with his son, daughter-in-law, and their three children.

Bruce had a quiet demeanor with a quick dry humor. As a proud veteran, he was also a long-time member of the American Legion Post 162 in Selmer, TN. He loved nature and the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. Bruce, along with several of his life-long friends, looked forward each year to their annual hunting trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He enjoyed taking care of his farm animals, including his donkeys, horse, goats, and chickens, and his beloved dog, Harley. His friends and family will definitely remember his sense of humor, love for his family, and his love of the outdoors.

Left to honor Bruce and remember his love are his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Michele York; his daughter, Wendy Perry; his brother, George York; and his sisters, Peggy Baldwin, Sue Fiveash (Enoch), and Cathy Beck.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Marvin York, JT York, and Travis York.

Bruce, known lovingly as Poppy, Pops, and Uncle Bruce, was adored by his 4 grandchildren, William York (22), Erin York (19), Dylan York (19), and Cassie Hounshell (35) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 12, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mr. York will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 613 Bunch Street, Corinth, MS 38834.

He will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

The family will greet friends and family at his home located at 1053 Old Reed School House Road, Ramer, TN 38367 following the burial.

The family asks that memorials be sent in Bruce’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital