Bruce Barnes Truitt Jr., 55, was called home by the Lord on April 18, 2018. Bruce was born in Seaford, Delaware and graduated from Seaford High School where he played football. He graduated from Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR where he majored in printing management. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and enjoyed intramural sports as well as coaching intramurals. While attending Arkansas State University he met his wife, Susan Mullen, and they resided in Memphis, TN and later Collierville, TN. Bruce worked for Lithograph Printing Company where he was a customer service manager before becoming a sales representative. He later took a sales position for Courier Printing Company in Smyrna, TN where he also became Vice President of Sales. During this time, he and his wife, Susan, moved to Murfreesboro, TN.
Bruce trained with Memphis Thunder, competing in many triathlons, several marathons, and accomplished 4 half ironman finishes. If he wasn’t working, spending time with family, or coaching his children, you might catch him out swimming, biking, or running. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and attending Ole Miss athletic events. Bruce and his family were members of Collierville First Baptist Church where he loved serving the Lord. He taught high school boys Sunday School, coached Upward Basketball, and was heavily involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He had a passion for working with youth and sports while sharing the gospel and showing the love of Jesus.
Bruce was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and received a bone marrow transplant from a selfless donor that allowed Bruce to spend a few more years with his family and friends. After moving to Murfreesboro, TN he became a member of Third Baptist Church and also became involved with the SE Middle Tennessee FCA. Bruce also enjoyed attending Middle Tennessee State University Basketball games and eventually became close to the coaching staff and team members. Bruce regularly attended the MTSU basketball practices and was able to share his story and faith with the team.
Bruce leaves behind his wife, Susan, of 30 years and 2 children, daughter Ashley (and Russell) of Hendersonville, TN and son, Matthew, of Collierville, TN. He also leaves behind his mother, Agnes Truitt, of Seaford, DE, an aunt, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and sister/brother-in-laws. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Barnes Truitt Sr. of Seaford, DE. He was an adoring husband, loving father, great friend to all, and devoted Christian.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Arrangements:
There will be a visitation on Friday, April 27th from 4-6 pm at Collierville First Baptist Church, 830 New Byhalia Road, Collierville, TN 38017. The funeral will be Saturday, April 28th at 1 pm at Collierville First Baptist Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, 435 South Mt. Pleasant Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SE Middle Tennessee Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2721A Middle Tennessee Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 www.fcarocks.org or call 615-217-7700.
