George (Sonny) Winslow Bruce, Sr., 89, of Hollins, VA passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Celestine Boyd, and his mother, Mary (Miss Emma) Bruce.

Born June 1, 1933, in Hollins, VA, he was a graduate of the older Carver High School in Salem, VA, class of 1951. After a year of college at St. Paul College in Lawrenceville, VA, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He honorably served his country from 1953-1957 and is a veteran of the Korean War. On April 26, 1961, he married Celestine Boyd of Simpson, NC, who was his partner until her death.

There were several things in his life he was very passionate about. First and foremost, his family, being an avid coin and stamp collector, the NFL Raiders, the MLB Red Sox, his membership in Saint John Grand Lodge and his status as Master Mason, and last but certainly not least old Blue-Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. He was also a staunch and loyal supporter of the Republican Party.

Those left to cherish his memory are his two children, Cynthia Renee Bruce of Lorton, VA; and George (Mary Beth) Winslow Bruce, Jr., of Roanoke, VA; three grandchildren, Taylor Renee Thornton, Tyler Wendell Thornton of Lorton, VA; and Sarah (Zak) Elizabeth Lawhorn-Spencer of Roanoke, VA; and one great grandson, Malcolm Winslow Spencer of Roanoke, VA. A special family friend, Cary (Melissa) White, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends.

A special thank you to the staff of the Virginia Veterans Care Center and the Blue Ridge Cancer Center for their love and support during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 1, at 2:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1609 Peters Creek Rd. NW, Roanoke, VA, 24017.

The family will be receiving friends at 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salem VA Medical Center, 1970 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA, 24153. (va.gov/salem-health-care).

A service of interment will be held privately at later date.