Herbert Bruce

Bruce, Herbert Edwin, Jr., "Coach Ed Bruce", age 68, died Wednesday, August 25, 2010. He had retired after teaching and coaching for 38 years in the Bessemer, Birmingham, and Jefferson County School Systems. His last coaching job was as head coach at The Home of the Rockets, Gardendale High School where he had a successful 8-year tenure. His teams set school records and some records still stand to this day. Gardendale honored him with a commemorative plaque overlooking Driver Field. In 1998, he was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. He retired in 2001 from Corner School where he had been Principal for 9 years. He was an Elder at Five Mile Presbyterian Church and was a Mason and Shriner. Ed played football (quarterback) for the University of Chattanooga and Maryville College, TN. He received three degrees from the University of Alabama and, with his daughter, was a big Tide fan. His other passion was hunting and he spent much of his free time during hunting season with his buddies at the hunting club. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Charlotte, daughter, Becky (Keith), his brother, Frank (Mary Frances), his sister-in-law, Jackie Chambless, as well as several nieces and nephews, and his beloved pets, Peanut, Buddy, Poncho, Annie, and Lucky. All his fellow coaches and players held a special place in his heart and were like his extended family. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday, August 27, and again from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Saturday, August 28, 2010, with the funeral following at 2:00 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Five Mile Presbyterian Church, 1137 Five Mile Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.