Dr. Bernard Charles Bruce, Jr.

December 13, 1936 — July 14, 2026

Dr. Bernard Charles Bruce, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026. Charlie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, physician, mentor, and friend. He lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humble service, integrity, and a deep love for those around him. His legacy will be carried on not only through his family but also through the countless lives he touched.

Charlie was born on December 13, 1936, in Clarendon, Arkansas. From an early age, he demonstrated the determination and work ethic that would define his life. Charlie proudly (and repeatedly!) shared the story of being one of the few patients to survive tetanus—always adding with a grin, "Yes, I had all my vaccinations." He also loved reminiscing about his beloved Pine Bluff Zebras football team and their victories over longtime rival Little Rock.

He attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity. He later earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee before completing his specialty training in periodontics. Although his education took him beyond Arkansas, his Razorback roots never faded. He remained a lifelong Hog fan, though he often joked that the Razorbacks caused him more stress than his four children ever did.

Following dental school, Charlie proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Army. On July 12, 1962, he married the love of his life, Margaret, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned 64 years. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, hospitality, and unconditional love.

Their home was always open to others. They welcomed numerous international exchange students into their family, creating lifelong friendships across the world. They treasured family vacations, celebrated countless tennis matches, soccer games, dance recitals, birthdays, graduations, and holidays, and embraced every season of life with laughter and love. Nothing brought Charlie greater joy than spending time with Margaret, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cherished friends, and their beloved fur companions, Lily and Lana.

Charlie enjoyed a distinguished career as a periodontist, practicing for more than 50 years in Texarkana. He cared for generations of patients with exceptional skill, compassion, and professionalism, earning the trust and respect of both his patients and colleagues. Throughout his career, he received numerous professional honors and awards and proudly served as President of the Arkansas Society of Periodontists, along with many other leadership roles within organized dentistry. While he took great pride in his profession, he considered the relationships he built with his patients to be among his greatest accomplishments.

But those who knew Charlie best would tell you that his greatest gift wasn’t found in his professional accomplishments—it was found in the way he made people feel. Charlie never met

a stranger. Whether sharing one of his favorite stories, offering quiet words of encouragement, or making everyone around him laugh with his quick wit and dry sense of humor, he had a remarkable ability to put people at ease. He was known for his steadfast convictions, generous heart, and just the right amount of stubbornness. He loved spirited conversations, treasured lifelong friendships, and believed there was always room for one more person around the table. His wisdom, humor, humility, and unwavering optimism left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

As fulfilling as his family life and professional career were, Charlie’s greatest passion was his faith in Jesus Christ. For more than 60 years, he was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas. He served on the Church Board, was a lay delegate to the Annual Conference, and faithfully served on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.

One of Charlie’s greatest joys was teaching Sunday School. For decades, generations of church members came to know and love him through the class affectionately known as "Charlie’s Angels." His thoughtful lessons, quiet wisdom, gentle humor, and steadfast faith left an enduring impact on everyone privileged to sit in his classroom. He never sought recognition; he simply sought to faithfully serve the Lord he loved.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Margaret Bruce; his four children; eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren: Melissa Bruce Schnitzer (Doug): Douglas and Kaki Schnitzer and their children, Douglas III, Wyatt, and Margot; Johnathan and Lily Schnitzer and their children, Ava Jane and Jack; and Robert and Stephen Schnitzer. Robert Thomas Bruce (Cynthia): Lauren Bruce Gibson (Miles) and Thomas Bruce. Susie Bruce Rogers (Michael): Riley Rogers Stevens (Nicholas); Sidney Rogers; and Sarah Rogers. David Charles Bruce (Marlo): Walker Bruce and Blakely Bruce.

Charlie loved his friendships made through his membership in Wilbur Smith Rotary Club. He also leaves behind his cherished "Band of Brothers," known affectionately as the Men’s Breakfast Club, as well as the many devoted caregivers who lovingly cared for him while somehow managing to keep up with his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and famous stubborn streak.

Charlie’s life was a testament to the words of the prophet Micah:

"What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8

He lived those words each day—with compassion, humility, generosity, and unwavering faith. He loved deeply, served faithfully, and quietly pointed others toward Christ through both his words and his example.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas Boulevard. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Thursday, July 23, at 11:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 400 East 6th Street, Texarkana, Arkansas. A

reception at the Cabe Center will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church.

Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.