BRUCE, Robert Harvey, 101, died peacefully at his home on February 13, 2000. Born December 26, 1898 on Stockton Street in Radford, he was the son of the late Robert Benton Bruce & Belle M. Vickers Stratton Bruce. He was preceded in death by sisters, Nina Evelyn Bruce, Gladys Evelyn Bruce, Della Lee Stratton Llewelly and brother, Harry Baurne Stratton. His maternal grandparents, James Harvey Vickers & Parrylee Virginia Kirtner Vickers were among the first members and teachers in Grove United Methodist Church. Robert worshiped in the three buildings of the congregation's 125 year history, and he especially enjoyed the Men's Bible Class. Robert met his wife, Hallie Gertrude Hutchinson of Newport, when she was a student at the Normal School, later known as Radford College. She died on March 27, 1980. He considered the Jones-Hutchinson relatives as his extended family and enjoyed the reunions every summer. As a boy, Robert enjoyed fishing in the New River and taking the neighborhood cows to pasture each day in Heth Grove, site of present-day Radford University. He was known by the nicknames Bug, Yobbie, Sockum, and Bob. Possessed of a sharp wit, a creative mind, and a kind heart, he was a delightful companion to all who knew him. He had a twinkle in his eyes and a captivating smile. In 1962, he retired after 43 years of service as a machinist for the Norfolk and Western Railroad. Its magazine, Paces, carried a story of his 100th birthday celebration in 1998. Vicker, a stop on the railroad, took its name from a branch of his family. In retirement, Robert devoted his time to his family, home, garden, and grounds. He was accomplished in woodworking, furniture refinishing and caning and repairs of all kinds. He was a hardworking man who did not stop from sunup to sundown. His motto was, "Do the best you can." Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Anne Bruce of Radford, Mary Evelyn Bruce of New York City; a son, Robert Harvey Bruce, Jr. & his wife, Patsy Harless Bruce of Christiansburg; grandsons, Mark Sheridan Bruce of Christiansburg, Gary Allen Bruce & his wife, Nicole Amos Bruce of Kingsport, TN; nieces, Doris Llewellyn Kellam of Coldwater, MI, and Duane Hutchinson Freebarn of Beauterton, OR. Contributions in his memory would be gratefully accepted by Grove United Methodist Church, the Radford Historical Foundation, The Easter Seal Society, or the Gideon International. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2000 at the Grove United Methodist Church with the Rev. Warren Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at the DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford.

RADFORD NEWS JOURNAL, Wed, Feb 16, 2000