Willard Bruce, 88, of Belleville, died Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Mitchell Nursing Home in Danville. He was born February 20, 1922, in Alred, the son of Aberham and Leone Standridge Bruce. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a retired farmer.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas Pearson and Vernon Bruce; and two sisters.
He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Willard T. and Rhonda Bruce and Donnie and Donna Bruce; six daughters, Leona and husband Danny Parish, Brenda Mingie, Cathy and husband Joey Sisk, Donna and husband Steve Carter, Angie and husband Joe Vaughn, and Charlene and husband Jimmy Vaughn; 21 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 7 at Lemley Chapel with the Rev. Greg Bland officiating. Burial is in Bells Chapel Cemetery by Lemley Funeral of Atkins. Visitation will be Monday from 6-7:30 PM.
Pallbearers are Kris Parish, Nicholas Resecker, Craig Resecker, Danny Bruce, Josh Vaughn and Corey Vaughn.

Honorary pallbearers are Christopher Carter, Brent Carter, Danny Parish, Zack Vaughn, Jason Vaughn, Justin Vaughn, Johnathan Hall, Andrew Hall and John David Woodall.