Dr. Charles Bruce
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,...
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.
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.