Richard Hunter “JR” Bruce, 89, of Beaumont died April 2, 2005 at his residence. A native of Liberty and resident of Orange since 1960, he was retired from Orange County as Public Works Director. JR was a United States World War II Sea Bee Veteran and was a longtime active Reserve Deputy with Orange County. He was active in the Civil Defense and Red Cross Swimming.
He is survived by his wife, Dorris Bruce of Beaumont; son, David Lane Bruce and his partner Frank K. Godchaux of New York; daughter, Debbie Bruce Cowart and her husband Mic of Lumberton; sister, Betty Pickett Guthrie; daughters-in-law, Sheree Beniot and Sherlon Bruce; grandchildren, Stephen Lane Bruce of Lafayette, Louisiana, Stephanie Bruce Bass of D’Hanis, Jana Sheree Bruce of Orange, Tyler Lloyd Cowart and Cody Lloyd Cowart both of Lumberton, and William B. Matthews of Orange; great grandchildren, Colby Trahan and Olivia Bass; and invaluable friends, Linda Patterson, Darrell Eaton, Lance Vickey, Angela Jordan, Julia Chaisson, and Bennie Boutte. His son, Stephen K. Bruce preceded him in death.
A Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Orange. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service in the Parish Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Park Avenue, Orange, Texas.
