On February 25, 2019, Ernest Bruce was called to his eternal home. Born April 15, 1919, Ernest was the oldest child born to the late Robert H. and Rosa L. Bruce.

Ernest attended Hollywood School in Kents Store, VA. Being that there were no high schools in the area for blacks at the time, Ernest completed his education as far as was allowed and began to work for a local doctor in the area to pay for family medical bills. After doing this for several years, he was drafted into the United States Army on April 9, 1941. He served in World War II as a Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on November 9, 1945, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

He was married to the late Margaret Lucille Jackson on June 29, 1946. To this union they were blessed with three children.

After returning home from active duty, Ernest learned the trade of auto mechanic and obtained employment at Palmyra Motor Company, where he worked for numerous years until he was encouraged to apply for the position of Head Mechanic for the Fluvanna County Transportation Department. He held this position until his retirement on June 30, 1987.

Ernest joined Byrd Grove Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member and servant until his health hindered him from serving in his full capacity. He was ordained as a Deacon on June 25, 1964.

Ernest was a member of numerous organizations: The Deacon's Conference of Goochland and Vicinity, Fluvanna County NAACP, Kents Store Volunteer Fire department, VFW Lodge #2613 and the 366 ^th Infantry. He also volunteered for the Fluvanna County Electoral Board during elections.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memories, three children: Gary Bruce (Delores), Cynthia Kearney (Michael) and Eunice Jones (Mark). Grandchildren: Felicia Jones (James), Andrea Baskfield, Tiffany Athey, Mark Jones Jr. & Dyshanta Jones. Great grandchildren: Rashaad Bruce, Lance Bruce, Quenton Mathis Jr. and Amani Mathis and a great great grandchild: Ayvah Bruce. Sisters: Geneva Key and Sarah Bradshaw of Louisa, VA, Sister-in-laws: Thelma Bruce, Palmyra, VA, Malinda Bruce, Kents Store, VA, Thelma Jackson, Kents Store, VA, and Helen Hubert, Louisa, VA. Brother-in-law: Gilbert Jackson (Christine), Kents Store, VA. and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 4-6 p.m. @The Sun Chapel D. D. Watson Louisa.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2019, at Byrd Grove Baptist Church, 2365 Cedar Lane Rd., Kent's Store, VA, 23084. Rev. Keith Manuel officiating. Burial, with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.