William Torbert Bruce died and went to the loving arms of his Lord on Monday, April 13, 2015, in Laguna Niguel, California, at the age of 94. He was a devoted Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle and dear friend to many.

William, known to all as Bill, is survived by his loving children, Mary Claire Linzmeier (David) of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, William Thomas Bruce (Mary) of Martinez, CA, and Ted Hagan Bruce (Manya), of Auburn, CA.; siblings, Mary Lillian McClure of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Margaret Swatek of Mexico, MO, and Richard Oliver Bruce, Ukiah, CA, 14 nieces and nephews and 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanne Hagan Bruce of Lompoc, CA; parents, Thomas Ripley Bruce, Sr, and Helen Milby Bruce of Mexico, MO; brothers, Thomas Ripley Bruce, Jr, of West Lafayette, IN, John Milby Bruce of Kansas City, MO, and Robert Wright Bruce, of St Louis, MO. nephew, George Morris McClure, of Saint Augustine, FL.

Bill was born September 14, 1920, in his parent's home at 820 North Calhoun St, Mexico, MO to Thomas Ripley Bruce, Sr, and Helen Milby Bruce. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1938 and the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1947, where he was a member of the Mystical Seven. The Mystical Seven taps seven outstanding seniors for membership based on their good deeds and selfless leadership and service to the campus and community. Bill served his Country from 1941 through 1965 as a Naval Aviator, having received his Wings in 1942 at Corpus Christi, TX. He fought in the Pacific Theater during WWII and was stationed in Chicago, IL, Deland, FL, Pensacola, FL, Key West, FL, Norfolk, VA, Dam Neck, VA, Washington, DC, Boston MS, and Point Arguello, Lompoc, CA. He went on several cruises to the Mediterranean on US Naval Aircraft Carriers. Following his retirement from the Navy, Bill worked for Federal Electric Corp, a subsidiary of ITT, at Vandenberg, AFB, from 1965 through 1981.

Bill married Jeanne Yowell Hagan on February 8, 1943, in the Base Chapel of the Oakland Alameda Naval Air Station. Bill and Jeanne raised 3 children and lived in many different locations via his multiple Tours of Duty. He loved his children and his grandchildren and was a constant example of how to live one's life with honor for doing the right thing, loving your Family and treating others with respect. He was affectionately known as Billy to his siblings and as Uncle Billy to his many nieces and nephews.

He was a Leader of Men throughout his Naval Career and respected by all.
Bill worked hard to be an accomplished golfer and had his usual foursome at the Village Country Club In Lompoc, CA, where he was affectionately known as "speedy", highlighting his slow, but steady gait and determined style on the links. Bill and Jeanne enjoyed 36 wonderful years in their home near the Country Club on Oakmont Avenue, joining with their friends in many social gatherings. Bill lived the last 13 years of his life at Park Terrace in Rancho Santa Margarita where he made countless friends of the residents there and was loved by his many caregivers.

Services are planned for Bill at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street, Lompoc, CA 93436, on Friday, 4/24/2015, at 10:00: AM. Burial will be at Lompoc Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill's life. A reception will be held immediately following with location to be determined Donations in Bill's memory can be made to the University of Missouri Tiger Scholarship Fund, tsf-mizzou.com. The Family would like to express its thanks to the St. Joseph Hospice Team and the special caregivers of Quality Life Homes in Laguna Niguel, CA.