Garland Bruce

Bluefield, WV - Garland P. Bruce went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2012, surrounded by his family at his home in Bluefield, WV. He was 82. Musician, chef, and gracious host, Garland was a wry-witted, spontaneous entertainer whose antics, jokes and extroverted good humor brought joy to the world all his earthly life. Born on February 13, 1930 in Bluefield, WV, he was the son of the late John Lee and Belle Bruce of Bastian, VA. He was preceded in death by his brother John and sister Maxine Bruce Curry. He attended Bland County schools, and graduated from Bland County High School and from McLains Business College. He was employed for more than 30 years with Pocahontas Land Company, a division of Norfolk-Southern Railroad. Garland is best known as a dedicated, accomplished musician. In his youth, he played little church organs and pianos up and down Wolf Creek-and continued to be a guest organist at area churches and retirement homes all his life. Both choir director and organist, he was the Minister of Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bluefield for over 30 years; joining the church in 1959. Along with Bud Gentry and Bob Brannon, Garland appeared on the March of Dimes Telethon on WHIS, now WVVA TV. The group played at venues throughout the area, and were always favorites on New Years Eve. Garland effortlessly played special requests without sheet music, played and acted in Summit Theater productions, and was the musical heart of countless special occasions. An avid fisherman, he pulled many a prize bass out of Bland County creeks. Garland gave up bachelorhood and married Mary Josephine Preston Belcher, who survives him. They were happily married 45 years. Also surviving are four stepchildren: Jane Belcher Dobson and husband Gerald V. Dobson II of Munfordville, KY; Charlie Belcher and wife Jayne of Suwannee, GA; Jay Belcher and wife Sharon of Bluefield, WV; and Preston Belcher and wife Laura of Chesapeake, VA. Grandchildren include Garland and Jo's beloved grand-daughter they raised together, Katherine Belcher Tierney and husband Matthew Peyton Tierney of Lexington, KY; Paige M. Belcher of Bluefield, WV, Charles Edwin Belcher III, of Vienna, Maryland; Samuel Patrick Dobson of Munfordville, KY; Gerald V. Dobson III and wife Tabatha of Munfordville, KY; and Robert Preston Belcher of Chesapeake, VA. He is also survived by four great-grandsons: Charles Matthew Scott Tierney II, Jakob Alexander Maynard, Lucas Anthony Maynard, and Xander James Schaffer, and special caregivers and Hospice for their loving care. A memorial service to honor his life will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM, Thursday July 12, 2012 with Pastor Jonathan Rockness officiating. Although no one loved flowers and gardening more than Garland, the family requests that any memorial gifts go to the Union Mission or to Bible In The Schools. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the Bruce family.

Garland Bruce

February 13, 1930 - July 9, 2012