Well, where to begin, this is tough

Dec 7, 2021, 12:48 PM

Bruce was my friend. We talked about a lot of things and most of you who know me understand that I'm usually not short on words... But I'm trying to come up with how to express how I feel. Bruce always called me his "wing man" but I never really understood why he called me that until last night and I already miss you buddy.

We met through Clemson (actually lot 10 which is a story all in itself) and continued our friendship from there. We all at some point here in the Lounge have met through Bruce or Kelli and for that we are all grateful. Those who haven't met Bruce personally got to see him online here in the Lounge. And in talking with Kelli late yesterday afternoon, we felt it was best to let those who were close to Bruce know first. But our main goal in waiting was out of respect for Bruce's family. So if we didn't get to you last night, please forgive us.

Please say a prayer for his sister and remaining family.

My heart is hurting today for his family, friends and coworkers much more than it did yesterday when I drove up to his house. I knew it immediately. After not getting any responses this weekend and again yesterday, I asked Beefsteak had he heard anything. I contacted Kelli to get a family member's phone number to check on him. I called but they didn't answer. And once Beef said he hadn't heard from him, I had no choice but to get in my truck and take off to his place. Sadly, the reality of Bruce passing hit me in the face when I got there and the ride home was one of the loneliest, most difficult rides of my life. I usually texted him to check on him and ask if he was "on this side of the dirt" and to come out and get some sun once and a while. I never got that response this weekend or yesterday.

I know Bruce was a gentle giant beloved by his family, friends, coworkers and fellow Tigernet family. We often talked about how the folks on Tigernet were considered his family, his kind of people. And we never had to say anyone's real name. We always used our Tigernet scoks as he would say. I know most of you that knew Bruce are as shocked as I am right now.

I miss you buddy. I know you are no longer in pain and that gives me some peace. But I'll miss you friend.

I've been reading some scripture and online quotes of what to say or how to feel. This one seems to fit the best for me right now.

"Saying goodbye isn't for us. Instead, I will say that I look forward to seeing you again, each time I am reminded of you through a phrase, a joke, even an article of clothing. These are the things that will keep us close despite death." - author unknown

Godspeed Celtic - RIP

Bruce's arrangements provided to me just now -
Pruitt Funeral Home is located at
603 N. Main St., Honea Path, S.C. 29654

Visitation is this coming Saturday 12/11/2021 from 12pm until 1pm with the service following at 1pm

The funeral home has a website and will eventually get this online at some point today or tomorrow.

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et through a message board could have such an impact on my life. but here, I think everyone gets it. He was just that dude. When i stopped posting over here as much and he stopped coming to tailgate, I would text him, send him tmail or even just a mention on twitter. For whatever reason this weekend, with all going on, I never got around to sending him a message in regards to CBV and all that. I was planning to do it last night (I thought I had inside scoop from my neighbors to share). Instead, I got a message from Chick and, like you said, it was a punch in the gut.

I was absolutely ready to meet him at a bar and grab our holiday time beer. Perhaps some of us can do that in his honor. I can have a picture of Halle on an easel there waiting for him.