Bruce Lawrence Wright died on May 5, 2026 at LifePath Hospice House in Sun City Center, Florida after a long illness. Bruce was born in Sparta, Michigan on December 10, 1950 to Kittylynn (Kitty) and Lawrence Wright.

He spent his youth in Sparta, graduating from Sparta High School in 1969. While growing up he loved Tigers baseball, Lions football, and actively participated in football, basketball, baseball, and bowling. His love for sports continued throughout his life as he spent countless hours in bowling leagues, golfing with friends and family, water skiing, fishing, and walking in half marathons. He loved to be outside. With Jill’s influence he became an avid Chicago Cubs and IU sports fan. Wrigley Field was one of his favorite destinations.

Bruce was a member of the Michiana Emmaus community in Indiana and was very active in the churches where Jill was appointed. He was a devoted follower of Jesus and was always ready to serve.

In 1971, Bruce joined the Army Reserves as a Medical Corpman. He was honorably discharged in 1977 as a Sergeant.

He met his future wife, Jill Freers at Kelsey Axle on his first day of work as a draftsman in 1973. They married on April 24, 1976 in Elkhart, Indiana. They made their home in St. Joseph, Michigan.

In 1980 he joined his in-laws (Donald and Patricia Freers and brother and sister-in-law Jeff and Jan Freers) in the re-establishment of Freers Ice Cream. After his in-laws retired and sold the business, he remained with the new owner making ice cream and then joined Bonnie Doon in South Bend as an ice cream maker.

In 1992, Bruce began his second career, one that was truly his calling. He returned to school and pursued a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. He graduated with Honors from Michiana College in 1996. Bruce loved to help people and he was especially drawn to the geriatric population. He continued as a PTA until his retirement in 2016.

In December 2016, Bruce and Jill retired to Palm Bay, Florida. In his retirement, he worked for Seniors Helping Seniors. His focus was always helping others. He had no enemies and was known for his gentle kindness. They moved to Sun City Center, Florida in September 2022.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jill and their daughter Megan. His family was always his priority. He was a devoted husband and had longed to be a father for a long time. Megan was the apple of his eye.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother James. He is survived by Jim’s widow, Joyce, his sister Carol (Doug) Fairchild, and brother David (Sue) and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to LifePath Hospice House, 3723 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 3357, or to a charity of your choice.