William Rankin Bruce, Jr., Age 77, of Rembert, husband of 52 years to Charlotte “Charlene” Hay Bruce, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at MUSC Kershaw Health Medical Center.
Born in Columbia, SC on December 1, 1947, Billy was the eldest son of the late William Rankin Bruce and the late Jane Emerson Bruce. In addition to his wife Charlene, he is survived by his son William Rankin Bruce III (Shalon) of Camden, SC and daughter Charlotte Bruce McAhron (David) of Charleston, SC; Grandchildren, Macie Legare Bruce and Anna Rankin Bruce of Camden and Miles Campbel McAhron of Charleston. He is also survived by a sister Jane Bruce Smith (William) and a brother Charles Joy Bruce (Diane), all from Columbia, SC, as well as eight nieces and three nephews.
Billy attended Patterson School for Boys in Lenoir, NC and graduated from the Citadel in 1970 with a degree in Political Science. Several life-long friendships were forged during his “incarceration” there! Following graduation, he served for six years in the SC National Guard. In 1978, he attended Lloyd’s of London School for Overseas Students.
Billy had a successful career in the property and casualty insurance world. Both he and his brother followed in the footsteps of their father and grandfather. Their grandfather co-founded Seibels Bruce and Co. in 1908. Their father, William R. Bruce, was president from 1966 to 1986. Seibels Bruce Company was an icon in the insurance industry. Employing approximately 1200 people, it was one of the largest property-casualty companies in the state and one of the top 100 property and casualty companies nationwide. Billy was vice-president of Field Operations when he retired in 1991.
During his years at Seibels Bruce, he was elected Director of Kentucky Insurance Company, Director and Treasurer of Carolina Insurance Managers Association, Director of South Carolina Federal Savings and Loan, Director of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose.
Following retirement, he and a good friend opened a restaurant, Congaree Trading Company in the Vista of Columbia. For several years they shared their culinary endeavors with people of the surrounding area. Smoked brisket, tomato pies, and key lime pies were among their specialties!
After a few more ventures in the insurance business, he purchased a Batteries Plus franchise in Sumter, SC. He eventually sold the business and settled into retirement to enjoy fishing and the country life where he tolerated his wife’s love of horses and nurtured his love of dogs! He was active in his church, Church of the Ascension, and felt that the members there were his second family. He served on the vestry and was also president of the Society of Ascension. He was extremely proud of his Scottish heritage and was often teased about his “thriftiness”. He was a member of the Columbia St. Andrews Society and served as President in 2007. As a history buff living in the Boykin area, he felt honored to also be a part of the High Hills of the Santee Society.
Billy cherished childhood memories of family times spent at his family’s mountain home, Gray Rock, near Cedar Mtn, NC. Fishing on the Atlantic coast with friends and family was another joy, as well as spending time at Litchfield and Edisto Beach, sitting under a big umbrella with a cold beer. Wherever the gathering occurred, his wit and humor were always on full display!
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Church of the Ascension with the Reverend Joel Osborne officiating. Following the graveside service, the family will receive friends in the Parish Hall.
Memorials can be made to Church of the Ascension or The Citadel Military College. The family would also like to thank Stephanie Terry, Della Ransom, Mary Moses, and Myra Cernak for their loving care of Billy at his home over the last several years.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to all the staff at MUSC Kershaw Healthcare for their loving and compassionate care of Billy.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.