Michael David Anthony Bruce, the son of the late Charles Ballard Bruce III and Marian Sue Bruce, was born April 28, 1968, in Upland, Calif., and departed from this life on Feb. 15, 2021, at the age of 52. Mike was one of four children. He spent most of his childhood growing up in California. He enjoyed football, fishing, and being around family and friends. In 1985, Mike met Michelle Elliott and they were married on April 5, 1986. From this marriage three children were born, Brittany, Michael Jr. and Daniel. In 1993, Mike and Michelle decided to move back to Mountain Grove to raise their three children. Mike was a very hard working man who worked 35 years in various construction jobs. He took pride in everything he did and it showed. The thing he enjoyed the most were his children. He took a lot of pride in their various activities. He coached his sons’ football and baseball teams and was his daughter’s biggest fan during her color guard seasons.
Mike was preceded in death by both parents, Charles Ballard Bruce III and Marian Sue Bruce; and his sister, Tammy Valentine Bruce. He is survived by Michelle Bruce, of Mountain Grove; daughter, Brittany, and her husband, Robert, of Cabool, and their children, Lilly, Isacc and Jase; two sons, Michael Bruce Jr. and Daniel Bruce and his daughter, Cecelia, all of Mountain Grove; brother, Kenny Smith and his daughters, Aubrey and Ivy Bruce, of Ava; sister, Kim Bruce, of Ozark; niece, Stephanie Evilsizer and her husband, Kevin, and their children, of Willard; his grandmother, Delilah Janet Hunziker, of Ava; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. A Celebration of Life event for Mike Bruce will be held at a later date. His burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Cremation was under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
