Born at Kilpatrick July 3, 1919, Bruce lettered 4 years in football at Crossville and played basketball as well. He played college football at Newberry, S.C. and Jacksonville State. Bruce reorganized the sports program at Cedar Bluff High in 1946, and also coached basketball, football, and served as principal for 32 years. His football team won 41 consecutive games, a state record at the time. The streak included two state championships. Bruce was named Coach of the Year in 1959. His overall football record was 155-47-5 and he coached the first basketball team to represent Cherokee County in the state tournament.
