Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church, Green Street for Charles Alton Bruce age 88 of Gainesville. The Rev. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Bruce passed away, Thursday, August 12, 2010 following a period of declining health. Born in Dawson County on October 5, 1921, he was the son of the late William Marion and Annie Belle Hughes Bruce. He attended Dawson County Schools and graduated from Dawsonville High School, Class of 1938. He attended the University of Georgia until he entered the Army in 1940. He was in the Military Police Corp and stationed in the Pacific Theatre and was discharged in February 1946. He married the love of his life, Bernice Grizzle in 1946.
Alton was a pioneer in the poultry industry. In 1950 he and his brother-in-law Homer Wilson started Bruce-Wilson Poultry. This was followed by Hillside Hatchery, Orbit Egg Company and B & W Hen Farms. They joined other poultry business men and acquired HFC Feed Mill, Mar-Jac and later founded Select Labs. He was active in many poultry organizations.
Alton joined Oak Grove Baptist Church in 1952 where he was a member for 32 years. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1956. He served on the building committee, Sunday school Superintendent and was a Sunday school teacher. In 1984 he and Bernice joined a new church family at First Baptist Church Gainesville.
His community affiliations included membership at the Gainesville Elks Club, The Chattahoochee Country Club, The Etowah Masonic Lodge and the Gainesville Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a sister, Grace Robertson, a nephew, Billy Robertson and a son-in-law, Bill Hinderscheid.
He is survived by his wife, Bernice Grizzle Bruce; son and daughter-in-law, Randall A and Ramona L. Bruce; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Charlotte and Frank Castleberry, Cindy and David Bryant and Cheryl Hinderdcheid; grandchildren, Eddie and Monica Castleberry, Elizabeth Prejean Coleman, Connie and Patrick Morgan, Shirley and Russell Fuller, Emily and Lloyd Mullins, Loran Bruce and Fiancé Cortnei Davenport, Robin and Russ McEver, Trey Hinderscheid, Denise and Jimbo Wilkins, Charlie Nolen and Adeline Bryant; 8 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Alton was always happiest when he was surrounded by his family. He was devoted to his church, his wife and family. One of his sons-in-law described him as totally honest, unselfish, fair and caring and said he was one of the best men he had ever known.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Ministry of Caring of First Baptist Church 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 or to the charity of your choice.
Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
