Bruce Wilson

Asheville Wayne Bruce Wilson, Jr., 56, of 36 Klondyke Place, Apt. A, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 3, 2009 at his home. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Bruce graduated from Erwin high School in 1970, where he was a member of the Honor Society, played trumpet in the band, and was very active in the French Club. After graduation, he joined the US Navy during the Vietnam era, and volunteered for submarine duty and was stationed aboard the USS Thomas Edison. While in service, Bruce earned the special distinction of becoming an Administrative Staff Lab Instructor, where he instructed new naval technicians in electronics troubleshooting techniques. He obtained the rank of Second Class Petty Officer before being transferred to inactive duty. Following his enlistment, he continued his education by obtaining an AS and an AAS degree in Social Services from AB Tech and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Mars Hill College in 2005. Bruce spent his working career as an industrial maintenance technician, and worked for several manufacturing plants in Western North Carolina. He spent twenty four years as a First Aid and CPR Instructor, as well as a fireman and EMT at the Woodfin Fire Department. Bruce also taught First Aid and survival classes at the American Red Cross, and volunteered many hours with the blind and visually-impaired. He was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and VFW Post 891. He had served as Secretary for the Residents Association of Aston Park Towers, and had recently graduated from the Citizens Academy of the Buncombe County Sheriffs Department. He was a lifelong Christian, and was a member of Elk Mountain Baptist Church and Woodfin Church of God. Bruce was the son of the late Wayne B. Wilson, Sr. and Margie Brown Wilson. Surviving are his lifetime partner, James Thompson, Jr., of the home; a special uncle and aunt, Van and Frances Wilson of Newport News, VA; and his beloved cat, Tinkerbell. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Sunday in the Cremation Center of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with James Thompson officiating. A private graveside service will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Saturday at the funeral home. The family would like to offer a special Thank You to the management of Klondyke Homes and the Housing Authority of Asheville.