Health

In 2003, Bruce was not feeling well. After 4 days he finally realized something was not right. Amelia's daughter, Stephanie, and her husband Charlie stopped by to see Dad and Amelia. While there, Charlie checked Dad's blood pressure. It was extremely high. So they immediately took him to the hospital. Dad was having a stroke. I believe he had several strokes for the 4 days before going to the hospital. He also had a stroke while in the hospital. It was a difficult time. One side of his face was partially paralyzed. He didn't have much use of one side of his body and he could not project his voice. He had a difficult time with stairs, shaving and even reading. Because of the stroke, they determined Dad had diabetes and also had a clot in his brain. With lots of physical therapy, Dad's condition improved. He as able to do almost all of the things he loved. He wasn't as strong but he got by.

Jenny and Joey were both living in the area and were able to be by his side during this difficult time.

Once Bruce was feeling better, him and Amelia travelled throughout the US and Europe. And of course, made several trips to Auburn where Jenny was now living with her family.



On Saturday June 30 2007, Bruce and Amelia attended the annual 4th of July celebration at Lee Roy and Sue Ledford's. This is a large celebration with food, drinks and a band. Dad had a blast. Taking pictures of the kids dancing, spending time with friends and family and just enjoying the evening. The day before, he spent time talking with Jenny and Joey on the phone. Bruce loved talking on the phone with his kids. A day never went by that he didn't talk to them.

After the celebration, Amelia and Bruce went home. They had one of Amelia's grandkids - Samantha - she was spending the night with them. Amelia ended up spending the night in Samantha's room with her. The next morning, she went in to make sure Bruce was up and getting ready for church. He was still in bed and she could tell something was not right. She immediately called 911. Dad was admitted into the hospital on Sunday July 1 2007. He was having another stroke

The next several days were hard.
The Ledfords had rallied together and made a schedule to sit with Bruce so someone was always with him. Joe and Jenny drove up from Auburn on Sunday morning.
Amelia stayed by his side the entire time.
(Personal note: I have never had anyone close to me pass away. When Joe and I first got to the hospital, I did not know if I would be able to go in and see Dad. With the help of Lee Roy and Sue, I was able too. Thank God!! Dad could not talk but was able to write notes. I told him i loved him and he wrote back on a sheet of paper "I Love You". I still have this note and will cherish it forever. Also, my Dad always did the Little Rascal wave to me from the time I was a little kid. The thought of him never doing this again upset me. But on that first day in the hospital, I was leaving his room and he did the Little Rascal wave. I will keep this memory forever. After that day, he did not write or move anymore)

On the evening of Tuesday July 3, 2007, Bruce passed away.
He had a stroke in the stem of his brain.
There is only a 15% survival rate with this type of stroke.

It was the most difficult day ever for all of us.
I could not imagine if you did not have family, having to deal with the death of a loved one.
Thank God for family!!

The next several days were a blur. We spent the day on July 4th making funeral arrangements. Then went to Lee Roy and Sue's to celebrate Bruce's life. Family and close friends came over and we told wonderful and funny stories about Dad.

On Thursday July 5th, we had the church service for Dad at Lily Branch Baptist Church. Dad always said he was afraid he would not have alot of people attend his funeral and would probably not have many flowers. That was not the case. The church was packed with people, the visitation line went on forever, and there were so many beautiful flowers, there was hardly any room to stand up front.

The next day on Friday July 6th, was the burial service for the family. Since Bruce had served in the military, arrangements had been made for a military service. They played "Taps", did a gun salute and presented the American flag to the family.

Bruce is buried at the Lily Branch Cemetary, on top of the hill. In the Fall and Winter, you can see the home him and Amelia shared together.

Dad, each and every day, you are thought of and missed deeply. We love you!