William Bruce Purtlebaugh, 70 passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, August 8, 2018.  He was born March 27, 1948 in Muncie, Indiana the son of William J. and Betty (Flinn) Purtlebaugh.

Bruce discovered a love for golf as young boy growing up in Muncie during the Padgett era at Green Hills Country Club where he also became a caddy for a time during his youth.  He lettered in golf at Muncie Central High School where he graduated in 1966, and remained a Bearcat fan for life.

Bruce started his career in 1964 working at City Machine Tool & Die as a toolmaker for 11 years. He also spent 10 years at Muncie Chevrolet Muncie Transmission Plant eventually becoming a cutter grind supervisor before leaving to start his own manufacturers sales representative company in 1983.  He retired in 2006 to spend more time with his wife, family and friends enjoying life.

Bruce was a loving son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, grandpa, great grandpa and friend.  He loved his life and the people in it, treating everyone with respect. He had such a huge heart with just the right amount of orneriness.  He was a prankster and even kept his quick wit about him through his illness, always bringing smiles to his nurses and caretakers.  His laugh was one of the best ever.

Bruce loved to dote on his kids, grandkids and most recently his great granddaughter.  He cherished the time spent gathering family for dinners and spending time together on the water at Lake Tippy, swimming, fishing and boating.  He also enjoyed many years of playing golf with great friends at Green Hills, Delaware, Tippy Lakes and Ft. Myers area, Country Clubs.  One of his favorite golf memories was getting to play at St. Andrews in Scotland with some of his closest friends.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheryl (St. John) Purtlebaugh,; two daughters Amy(husband Philip) Townsend, Muncie, IN; Amber Henderson, Murfreesboro, TN; Step-son George Robert Horning, Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren, MiKayla(husband Zachary) Watters, MaKenzie Townsend, Jalen, Gabriella, and Kiara Henderson, a great-granddaughter, Henley Watters; a brother, Gerald(wife Dawn) Purtlebaugh,  and one nephew, Nicholas Purtlebaugh.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his furbabies; Sugar, Gus, Abby, Buddy and his sweet Buster.

Memorial contributions may be sent to A.R.F. (Animal Rescue Fund), 1209 W. Riggin Road, Muncie, IN 47303, the National Parkinson Foundation, or the American Kidney Association.