Obituary of John Benton Bruce

John Benton Bruce passed away suddenly on April 14, 2021. He was born May 1, 1943 in Mansfield, Ohio. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he majored in Pre-Med and minored in Business Administration. While there he held various leadership positions including President of Phi Delta Theta, Captain of the swim team, and President of ODK Honorary Leadership Society. He graduated in 1965 and immediately began work for Ohio Bell Telephone, owned by AT&T. In 1966, John joined the Navy and attended Officer Candidate School. He served three years active duty on the USS Tanner as Supply officer during the Viet Nam war. He returned from active duty in 1969 but remained in the Naval Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1988.

Following his discharge from active duty he went back to work for Ohio Bell, where he had a very successful career. After completing his MBA with Pace University, he held several critical positions for AT&T – he was the General Internal Auditor during the AT&T Divestiture in 1984, and bargained the first post-divestiture labor contract for Ohio Bell in 1986. Throughout his work life he was also associated with many social and civic organization, serving as Board Chairman of the Center for Human Services in Cleveland, Ohio. He retired from Ameritech in Chicago in 1993 as Vice President Human Resources.

John and wife Linda moved to their home in Hilton Head in 2000. He continued his civic responsibilities by serving on the Leamington POA. But he most enjoyed golf with his friends twice a week. Despite some physical challenges, he would always greet neighbors with a smile and big hello as he drove his golf cart around with dog Jessie.

John is survived by his wife Linda (Newton) Bruce, daughter Julie Solly and her husband Randy of Streetsboro, Ohio, son Dr. John Bruce and his wife Linda of Springfield, Ohio, five grandchildren – Jack Bruce, Maggie Bruce, Lizzie Bruce, Stella Bruce, and Megan Solly, and two sisters – JoAnne Schwing and Judie Chain both in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Hilton Head Humane Association.