Bruce Jeffries, was born to Harry Bruce Jeffries, II and Irene Ripley Jeffries, August 28, 1931, in Denver, Colo. In 1940, the family moved to and stayed in South Charleston, W.Va.; he stayed through his early 20’s. His father passed away when Bruce was 16; his mother married Reuben M. Van Camp (a Mason/Shriner). Bruce attended several of the local schools, including South Charleston High School and Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston). An avid muscian, Bruce played in the College orchestra. It was during one of the concerts a young lady saw and heard him play. They struck up a friendship, and on August 8, 1953, in South Charleston, Bruce married Emma Joyce Woods. Her father was Robert (Bob) J. Woods, known as “the barber of the Governors” and was a Mason/Shriner.
Bruce joined the US Marine Corps (Reserves) in 1948. In 1950, he transferred to the Army Reserves Band, achieving the rank of CW-3, resigning his Commission. In the 1960’s, Bruce attended graduate school at West Virginia University and Oklahoma State University.
Bruce and Joyce lived in several cities including Virginia; Princeton, W.Va. where he taught high school band; Point Pleasant, beginning his 30 year career in Vocational Rehabilitation; Beckley, W.Va.; Charleston, W.Va., where his career was capped as a deputy director, retiring in 1990. Over the years, they camped then stayed in rental homes in the Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Holden Beach, N.C. areas. They loved traveling to various state parks and cities around the United States and other locations, including British Columbia and Scotland. Bruce continued his love of music, joining the Masons and eventually playing in the Shriner’s Band, Charleston, W.Va., playing several instruments. He directed church adult choirs, including Beckley Presbyterian Church and South Charleston First Presbyterian Church. In the Presbyterian Church, he was “called” by God to serve and did so faithfully as Deacon, Elder, Treasurer, Director of Christian Education and many committees. Thanks to the influence of Robert Woods and Reuben Van Camp, he became a Mason, later becoming a member of the Shriners, being very active in the South Charleston Masonic Lodge and the Beni Kedam Temple in Charleston. Dad thoroughly enjoyed the mountains of W.Va. and the beaches of South and North Carolina.
Through his life, Bruce was known as a man of God; a friend, companion and husband to Joyce, wife of over 64 years and passed away January 2016; “Rusty” to many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews; Dad to his three children and grandpa to his five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His 3 children are Harry Bruce (Jeff) Jeffries, Jr, married to Vickie and have 4 children (one who’s named Harry Bruce Jeffries, V and their son, Harry Bruce Jeffries, VI) and 11 grandchildren; Lynn Ann Wymer (preceeded in death by husband Jeff), who has one child and two grandchildren; Mark Stuart Jeffries. He loved us all very much. He loved and spoke often of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Before Joyce’s passing, she was able to meet and hold Harry Bruce Jeffries, VI. Through mom’s brothers (“Butch”, who is deceased and Joe) and sister (Beth) they have numerous nieces and nephews. Mom and dad were both always amazed, proud and happy how much their family had expanded over the years and how well each were doing.
In August 2014, mom convinced dad to move to Fayetteville, Ga. to live with Jeff and Vickie, until their deaths in 2016. They both joined Fayette Presbyterian Church shortly after their arrival, then the choir a short time later. Dad continued singing in the choir, until his health dramatically declined the end of May. Both mom and dad passed away, in peace and dignity, surrounded by love and family, knowing they were loved and cared for until their final breaths.
Dad’s service will be at Snodgrass Funeral Home, 4122 MacCorkle Ave. SW, Charleston, W.Va., 25309. Visitation will be Friday, July 22nd, 6-8 p.m.; funeral services will be Saturday, July 23rd, starting at 10 a.m. Immediately after the service, all are invited to attend the grave side interment (beside mom) and Masonic service, Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens, Masonic Section (near Cross Lanes).
Flowers and/or contributions to Shriner’s hospital are welcome and appreciated.
