Ronald "Ron" Glenn Bruce, 75, of Thomasville, N.C., went to heaven to be with his Lord on Good Friday, March 29, 2013, at his home with family members by his side.

He was born in Wooster on July 30, 1937, to Glenn and Mary Runkle Bruce.

Left to celebrate his life and to cherish his memories are: his wife of 56 years, Mary Kathryn Fisher Bruce; a son, Ronald "Dean" (Kristy) Bruce of Mendon; two daughters, Kathy (Thor) Townsend of Winchester, Ky., and Linda (Keith) Nance of Trinity, N.C.; a sister, Patricia (Dow) Roettger of Frankfurt, Ind.; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Military service included flying with the Navy's Hurricane Hunters and before the pastorate, Ron served as a systems analyst at Celina Insurance Group. Hiking, teaching the Bible to others and being with family were some of his favorite ways to spend his time.

He was a member of Unity Wesleyan Church for the last 11 years after moving to North Carolina. Former church memberships included Neptune Church of God near Celina, as well as two pastorates at Syracuse Church of God in Syracuse, Ind., and Dewart Lake Friends in North Webster, Ind. He remained active in various church leadership positions throughout the years, serving as a Sunday School teacher, board member, Sunday School superintendent and district representative on numerous committees.

Ukraine mission work was also dear to his heart as he and his wife Mary made several trips to spread the word of God in Eastern Europe.

Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday at Cumby Family Funeral Service, Archdale Chapel, the Rev. Mark Loman officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Garden Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.