Mr. Thomas Henry Bruce entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 18, 2018, surrounded by family at his home in Kents Store, Virginia. His life began January 26, 1925 in Fluvanna County. He was the son of the late Robert H. and Rosa Lilly Fowler Bruce.

He accepted Christ at an early age at the Byrd Grove Baptist Church in Kents Store, Virginia and was a faithful member until his health declined.

Thomas attended Hollywood Elementary School located in Kents Store, Virginia; he entered the U. S. Navy at age 19 and served his country from 1944 to 1946.  He was a Steward's Mate First Class and was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas on July 30, 1946. Upon the completion of his term with the U. S. Navy, he lived and worked in Detroit, Michigan for three years.  He then returned to Fluvanna County where he was employed at Palmyra Motor Company for 30 years, and later at BestPack in Fork Union, Virginia for several years until his retirement.

In 1968, Thomas became one of the first African American entrepreneurs in Kents Store by opening T.H. Bruce's Store.  This establishment in the community was not only a convenience store, but served as a second home for many family and friends to swap stories and share daily experiences.  Entering the doors of T.H. Bruce's Store is a unique cultural and historical experience for all and still serves as a place of refuge and a place of healing for many.

On June 15, 1949, Thomas married the love of his life, Malinda Jane Hackney.  They were truly soul mates and they demonstrated what it means to love each other as Christ loves the Church.  It was always a joy to be in their presence and visually experience the meaning of a "Godly marriage."

Thomas Henry Bruce was a kind, considerate, and caring man.  His blessings came, not from worldly wealth or possessions, but in his personal quiet relationship with the Lord, his family, and his friends.  When his parents and his special Aunt Lucy Fields were in their declining years, he and Malinda made sure they were cared for well.  He always provided for his family and leaves a great legacy that will never be forgotten by his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Aubrey Bruce and George W. Bruce; sisters, Olivia Bruce and Rosa Lee Payne; grandson, Brandon Chad Bruce.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 68 years, Malinda Jane Hackney Bruce; three siblings, Ernest Bruce, Sarah Bradshaw and Geneva Key; seven children, James Bruce (Peggy), Larry Bruce (Gail), Thomasine Wells (Clarence), Charles Bruce, Sr. (Muminah), Calvin Bruce (Rhonda), Sheri Winston (Robert), Joseph Bruce (Victoria); eleven grandchildren, Lori Bruce Jawo (Tony), Davra Miller, Marce Anderson (Tyrone), JaMar Bruce, Brogan Bruce, Charles Bruce, Jr., Olivia Winston, Courtney Wells, Joshua Bruce, Matthew Winston, Kristen Bruce; seven great-grandchildren, Kayce Miller, Peri Miller, Brantazia Grooms, Isaiah Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, Rosemarie Jawo and Nelson Jawo; four sisters-in-law, Thelma Bruce, Mary Scott, Phyllis Hackney and Mattie Hackney; two very special caregivers, Cleolive Lewis and Asia Daniels, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, in the The Sun Chapel at D.D. Watson Mortician, Inc., 117 West St., Louisa, VA. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Byrd Grove Baptist Church, 2365 Cedar Lane Rd., Kents Store, VA. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.