John Franklin Bruce

John Franklin Bruce, age 92, Knoxville, passed away July 29 at Brakebill Nursing Home.

He was born Jan. 1, 1920, in LaFollette, one of eleven children born to Laura Bell Welch and James Willis Bruce Sr.

Mr. Bruce was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. He retired after 37 years from Union Carbide Corp., where he worked as a security guard. He was a member of Glenwood Baptist Church. Mr. Bruce was a 32 degree Mason and member of Faith Masonic Lodge #756.

In addition to his parents and 10 siblings, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Shawn Adams.

He is survived by daughters, Betty Jane Lovely and husband Garry of Caryville, and Lois Ann Smith of Knoxville; grandchildren, Tamra Lee Smith, Martin Christopher Smith, and Leslie Lyttle; great-grandson, Mykal Storm Adams; and step-great grandchildren, Hailey and Autumn Gray and Damon Lyttle.

The family received friends on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. with Rev. Cabel Trent officiating.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, Aug. 2, at 9:30 a.m. at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway in Knoxville. Military honors were provided by the TN National Guard Honor Guard.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.