Tex Bruce's Obituary
A memorial service for Tex Bruce, 71, of Longview will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Barnes officiating. Mr. Bruce passed away suddenly Friday, September 21, 2012 at his home.
Mr. Bruce was born June 12, 1941 in Electra, Texas to Cecil Clim Bruce and Mary Gertrude Crowe Bruce. He grew up living and attending school with his brother, Rex Bruce's family in White Deer, TX. IN the early 60's he moved to Longview where he would begin his career in law enforcement in 1967. He started our as a foot patrolman walking the streets of downtown. After spending many years in a patrol car, he became a motorcycle officer. Of all the things he did that became his favorite part of being a policeman. He earned the rank of sergeant while in that position. For many years he dressed up like McGruff the Crime Dog where he would make appearances at local grade schools, parades and other events. Toward the end of his career with the department he became a firearms instructor. He helped design and he ran the police departments firing range where he qualified officers. He also started and taught the Ladies Handgun Classes in Longview. He retired from the department in November 2000. After his retirement he continued his love of motorcycles. He traveled all over going to races and spending time riding his own bikes as much and as often as he could.
Mr. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Marcella Miller, Adelia Garner, LaDane Phillips and his brother Rex Bruce.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Cheri Hayes and husband Jeremy, the light of his life, his grandson Brandon Hayes; his companion and best friend, Sarah Latch; many nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Patricia "Patti" Brewer.
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