Richard M. Bruce

Pastor Richard M. Bruce, 84, of Wildwood, Fla. and previously from Britton, Mich., passed away on May 1, 2023. He was born October 1, 1938 to Vera and Richard Bruce in Britton. He was united in marriage to Donna B. (Spangler) Bruce on August 31, 1957. They were married for 65 years. He was a long-time farmer before being called to ministry and serving as a pastor at Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene in Tecumseh, Mich. for 15 years, and served as an interim pastor on the Eastern Michigan Nazarene District for many years. He also served as an associate pastor at Leesburg Church of the Nazarene in Leesburg, Fla. for several years.

Richard, nicknamed “Dick” by family and friends, loved farming his land and driving tractors. He spent many hours planting and harvesting, all the while, praying for his family and friends. When he wasn’t farming, he was serving the local church by teaching Sunday school. He also ministered as a youth leader at Britton Congregational Church and Ridgeway Nazarene Church. Richard served on the boards for Britton-Macon School, Deerfield State Bank, and Ridgeway Township. Additionally, he served as vice-president of Lenawee County National Farmers Organization.

Richard and Donna were called into full-time ministry and began attending Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs in 1984. While there, he earned two bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. They still made time to serve while at Bible College, as the single ministry peastors. They enjoyed the beautiful view and people in Colorado, but the Lord called them back to serve near their hometown and he became the pastor of Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene in 1988.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Vera (DeRemer) Bruce; father, Richard E. Bruce; grandson, Evan Keller; stepmother, Mildred Bruce; brother-in-law, Lee Benedict; and stepbrother, Gary Henry.
Surviving are his devoted wife, Donna Bruce; sister, Marge Benedict; stepbrother, Kenneth (Sharleen) Kendall; stepsister, Judy (Kenneth) Faust; daughter, Kim (Dave) Pizana; sons Richard (Lora) Bruce, and David (Jeanne) Bruce; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (with one on the way!); and many nephews and nieces.

It is a great comfort to know Richard is now in heaven with his Lord. He will be loved and missed by anyone who ever knew him. He was well-known for his loving hugs, generous spirit, and commitment to the Lord. He was often found praying, singing, praising his Savior, and reading the Bible. His favorite Scripture passages were Mark 11, John 14, and Revelation 22. He will be sorely missed by many friends and family.

A memorial visitation for Richard was held on Friday, May 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Ridgeway Nazarene Church. On Saturday, May 6, 2023 visitation took place at the church at 3 p.m. with Richard’s funeral service beginning at 4 p.m. Interment followed at Ridgeway Cemetery.

If friends and family would like to share their love for Richard in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ridgeway Nazarene Church in Britton, Mich., Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene in Tecumseh, Mich., or Leesburg Church of the Nazarene in Leesburg, FL.

Personal messages may be sent to the family and sign the online guest book at wagleyfuneralhomes.com.