Ernest Eugene "Ernie" Bruce, Jr.

Memorial service for Mr. Ernest Eugene “Ernie” Bruce, Jr., 93, of Vail, AZ, formerly of Monroe, LA, will be held at 11:00AM Friday, January 10, 2025, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Monroe with Rev. Brian Mercer officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until service time Friday, January 10,2025, at the funeral home. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Virginia Mercandino Bruce; and longtime companion Ms. Jimmie Earle.

Ernie was born on February 27, 1931, in Dequincy, LA. He graduated from McNeese University with a Bachelor’s of Science. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, including a tour in Vietnam from 1966-1967, where he was a helicopter pilot in the 173rd Air Assault Company. He was decorated with numerous medals and awards including the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. After his service in Vietnam, he was transferred to the University of Louisiana in Monroe as Associate Professor of Military Science and then as Professor of Military Science. After he retired from the Army, he obtained his MBA and started teaching Aviation at ULM, first as an assistant Professor, then as an associate professor. Upon his retirement of teaching, he was able to devote more time to his many gardening projects and hobbies including birdwatching, fishing, gardening and woodworking. He was well known for his annual mechanized Christmas yard decorations that delighted young and old. He was a beloved member of First United Methodist Church of Monroe. He was a kind and generous man who loved sharing his handyman skills. He helped anyone in need and was a Volunteer of the Year at the Council on Aging. His greatest joy was from sharing his Vietnam stories, slides, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and many great grandchildren. 

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Nancy Simpson and husband Jerry of Vail, AZ, Janet Bruce of Vail, AZ, and Sharon Evans and husband Gary of Hutto, TX; and son, Edwin Bruce and wife Leigh of Dallas, TX. Ernie was a devoted grandfather to Mark, Kenny, Jamie, Lorie, Zoe, Amy, Kimberly, David, Aubrey, Heather, and Callie and great grandfather to thirty-two great grandchildren. 

There will be a reception to follow at First United Methodist Church.