daniel bailey

November 16, 2020

Friend. "a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another person"

Bruce was my friend. I can only hope that I was as good a friend to him as he was to me, though I do not think I will ever live up to that level.
Bruce helped me in so many ways, was there as a friend so often, that it is hard to fathom life without him. So many times he would listen to me rant and rave about some life occurrence, then, in response, simply take a puff of his pipe, let it out and say "well...", and everything would come into perspective. Then we would work on some project he had going on or run some chore he had to do; and everything would be ok.
I am trying to put so much into words and failing miserably.
Bruce was a rarity in this world, an honestly good man, someone to aspire to emulate, someone to walk by your side.
Bruce was my friend

Gerianne Pandolfi

November 15, 2020

I didn’t know Bruce very well - I just helped him take care of his beloved cats.

I met Bruce 20 years ago, when he brought in “Freeway,” the first of many cats I would get to know over the years. Bruce and I sobbed ourselves through so many cats’ lives and deaths.

Bruce was so kind and so gentle, and he had a heart of solid gold. To me (a northern transplant), he seemed to be a true Southern Gentleman - at home and kind to everyone he met. I hope he had a wonderful life, and I suspect he truly did.

I guess my most vivid memory of Bruce will always be hugging him in one of our clinic’s exam rooms - both of us sobbing, as hard as it is possible, when “Buddy” was dying. I hope I told Bruce then how much I thought of him. I think I did.

So, I’m imagining Bruce in Heaven, sitting inside his home. It has to be a cold rainy evening, or he’d be outside doing something, probably for someone else. Bruce is sitting on his sofa, with Buddy right there purring on his lap. Bruce is petting Buddy and smiling at him, and Bruce is planning his next trip to Bonaire, all the while a little worried if his cats will be OK while he’s gone.

They will, Bruce. They will - your friends will be sure to see to that. Go to sleep, Bruce, and dream beautiful things.

And, once in a while, think of all of us left here who miss you and mourn your passing.

I will never forget you - as everyone who ever met you will surely hold you in their hearts forever.

♥️❤️♥️

Dick and Carolyn Trammell

October 25, 2020

It's still hard to believe that we’ve lost Bruce. To Amber, Greg, Luther, Elsbeth, and Bruce’s entire family, those of us who had the privilege of knowing him share your loss. Bruce was indeed a loving brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend to so many.

Our friendship began at Southwest High School. Though college, marriages, and careers separated us, we reconnected at our 50th Southwest High Reunion. When Carolyn and I started cruising the ICW, we planned our first itinerary around spending time with Bruce in Wrightsville Beach. When we arrived, he was standing on the dock of the Bridge Tender Marina waiting to greet us. Our overnighting in Wrightsville Beach became a tradition that led to him visiting us in Mount Pleasant, whether to exhibit at car shows or attend our annual chicken stew. We’re thankful he attended this year’s stew, because COVID-19 led the cancellation of the 2020 Cars on Kiawah show in which we were both exhibiting, and our annual cruise north. This year, time spent with Bruce was far too limited.

Carolyn and I will forever treasure the memories of our moments shared with Bruce – good coffee, fried calamari with orange marmalade, and whole fried flounder. She said it best as we shared memories, “Cruising through Wrightsville Beach will never be the same without seeing Bruce standing on the dock waiting to greet us.”

Rest In Peace, dear friend, until our paths cross again.

Rona Catalfumo

October 23, 2020

Bonaire has lost a beautiful and dear friend. From our family here at the Black Durgon Inn in Bonaire, we extend love and prayers of strength and our deepest condolences. Always willing to lend a helping hand for the animals and humans, you were a good friend to all of us! You will be missed dear friend!
Rest In Peace 💜

Phil Santomassi

October 23, 2020

I’m very saddened by Bruce’s passing. Bruce and I had a wonderful connection . He called me Yankee and I affectionately called him Gobble Gobble. Bruce And I made many (as we would call them) food runs. Our favorite was Lanes ferry Bruce loved his hot dogs. I have to admit I can’t seem to believe he is gone. Rest In Peace my friend I’ll save a piece of Patti s crumb cake.

Phil Rodilosso

October 23, 2020

Have known Bruce since he retired and we became Starbucks buddies. That developed into a wonderful friendship where we shared stories of our lives, especially those growing up years. From that and common interest in older automobiles, his being British and mine American muscle, we had heated discussions on the merits of both. Always ending with a warm respect for the others opinions.
I will miss you Amigo, you were taken much too early. My heartfelt condolences to your family, Phil

Gaye (Dull) Carothers

October 23, 2020

Dear Elsbeth,
I was sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. I didn't know him personally because he was eight years older than me.
I do remember my mom talking about the antics of those wild, Allcorn city kids. Once after snow had blanketed our dirt road, she was appalled to see those Allcorn children chasing a "road scraper" down Dull Road in front of her house. They were able to climb on the back of that heavy piece of machinery and went for a ride. She was terrified they would get killed! She told that story for years. I'm sure Bruce was involved!

Ann Loffredo

October 23, 2020

So sorry to hear of Bruce death. I grew up at school with Quentin and Bruce. Remember them both fondly

Steven Dunn

October 23, 2020

Bruce and I were classmates at Southwest Forsyth High School and later, roommates at East Carolina University. We shared many wonderful times together. I shall always remember his infectious laugh, his love of "sporty" cars and his gift of never treating anyone like a stranger. Love and condolences to all his family and dear friends.

Johnny Williams

October 23, 2020

Bruce was a great guy....a friend to everyone he met. He will be missed as a founding member of The Amigos Car Club.....

His unique sense of humor was his trademark and he was always ready to take a road trip with one of his beloved Healeys.....

Rest In Peace good buddy......you did not deserve to leave us this way....

FROM THE FAMILY