PROSPECT, March 11 – Charles “Charlie” Bruce departed this eternal earth on Friday, March 6, 2010 as the result of an automobile accident. God saw fit to call him home. Charles was born October 13, 1934 to the late Nanny B. Ducksworth and Alexander Bruce Jr., in Prospect.

He accepted Christ at an early age at Sulphur Spring Baptist Church, Prospect. Later years after he returned home to live, he joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Appomattox.

Mr. Bruce attended school in Prince Edward County and went on to further his education in New Jersey. He worked in many aspects in his life always striving for more out of life. He worked as a private investigator, truck driver, and owning several businesses. He moved back to his roots in 1988 to take over one of his adventures, The Bruce & Stiff Funeral Home in Appomattox, which he was owner/president. Mr. Bruce also started a new business in Prospect, a Mini-Mart and a Seafood Restaurant.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife for 31 years, Dorothy of Prospect; stepson, Wendell Platts of Bronx, NY; son, Charles Berkley of Newark, NJ; grandson, Terrence Bruce of Lynchburg; an adopted daughter, Norma “Sue” Hodge of Appomattox; five sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn S. Boyd of Dalzell, SC; Roberta Johnson of Newark, NJ, Anna M. Tassie of Hempstead, NY, Carrie Kearse of Newark, NJ, and Barbara Kearse of Newark, NJ; three brothers-in-law, Robert Tassie Sr. of Hempstead, NY, Herman Kearse of Newark, NJ, and Booker Boyd of Dalzell, SC; and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Bruce of Newark, NJ.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 1 p.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Appomattox. Interment will be at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church, Prospect.

Visitation will be held Friday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Bruce & Stiff Funeral Home, Appomattox.

Bruce & Stiff Funeral Home, Appomattox, is in charge of arrangements.