Gary Wayne Bruce

Gary Wayne Bruce, 80, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Cedargate Nursing Home.

He was born on October 2, 1945, in Piedmont, Missouri to Beulah Sylvania (Keith) and Joseph Columbus Bruce. On November 30, 1963, he married Sharon Simpson in Poplar Bluff, MO.

In his younger years Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. As a profession, he was a master mechanic and genuine fixer of all things. Later in life, he worked alongside his son, Chad, before retiring. In retirement, he enjoyed one of his favorite pastimes—mowing the yard and relaxing on his swing; taking in the sights and sounds of the nature that surrounded his home.

Gary is survived by his four children; Kimberly (DeWayne) Adams, Brian (Barbara) Bruce, Shonda (Michael) Arellanes, and Chad Bruce & fiancé Sarah Jenkins; ten grandchildren, Cheree (Noah) Bradley, Stephen (Barb) Adams, Tosha (Jake) Reiter, Mykaela Arellanes & fiancé Brett Berg, Colten Arellanes, Logan Arellanes, Lunden Bruce, Daytin Bruce, Audree and Beau; eight great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Taylor, Chase, Gabe, Silas, Ryatt, Bodhi, and Meadow.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10:00am- 11:00am at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service to follow beginning at 11:00am. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.