Boyce "Diamond" Bruce's Obituary
Boyce Bruce, known to many as Diamond, departed this life Friday, January 6, 2017 in Lubbock, Texas at the age of 94 years, 11 months, and 15 days.
Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 14, 2017 in the Memphis Church of Christ with Tom Anderson, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Boyce was born to Samuel Grey and Carrie Ragland Bruce on January 22, 1922 in Sherman, Texas. The family moved to Memphis, Texas around 1926 where they were involved in farming. He attended Friendship School and later graduated from Memphis High School. He played football earning the Best All Around Player of the Year in 1940. Boyce helped on the family farm before entering the Army serving from November 1942 through January 1946 during WWII. He served in the Army Signal Corp.
Boyce married his high school sweetheart Rebecca Paschall on December 25, 1946. To this union was born two daughters Judy and Boycene. Rebecca preceded him in death on January 26, 2013. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Boyce was co-owner of Bruce Bros. Service station for 40 years in Memphis. He always kept up with the Cyclone football team, liked fishing and gardening. He enjoyed working with wood making clocks and mesquite pens. Boyce was kind and giving. He helped take care of his parents, sister, and mother in law in their later years along with seeing after many different neighbors. Boyce had a quiet, honest spirit and set a lasting example by the dedicated care he gave to his wife in her later years. He was a dear, dear son, husband, father, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy. He was loved.
Boyce was preceded in death by his wife; parents; a sister, Alma Bruce; and 3 brothers, Weldon, Glenn, and Ray.
He is survived by his daughters, Judy Gentry and husband Gary of Memphis and Boycene McKinney and husband Greg of Amarillo; a brother, Noel Bruce and wife Vernice of Temple; 6 grandchildren, Cade Gentry of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Jill Stewart and husband Brad of Lubbock, Ryan Gentry and wife Jamie of Frisco, Ty McKinney and wife Mariah of Berthoud, Colorado, Kyle McKinney and wife Treva of Amarillo, and Kayla Shields and husband Matt of Vero Beach, Florida; 9 great grandchildren, Laci and Stetson Stewart, Carson and Brady Gentry, Jossalyn and Blakelyn McKinney, Ava and Camden McKinney, Mason Shields, and another great grandbaby due in June; and several nieces and nephews.
The family request memorials be sent to High Plains Childrens Home in Amarillo or Memphis Meals on Wheels.
The family will be at 1307 Harrison in Memphis.
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