Bruce Markley Williams

Bruce Markley Williams, age 73, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died at We Care Hospice in Moss Point, Mississippi on December 9, 2010 following a 6 year battle with cancer. Bruce was a skilled educator and friend who set a great example for all through his positive attitude, generous disposition, and caring demeanor. He loved reading, listening to classical music, being with his family, having fun with friends, and inspiring young minds. Bruce was born October 27, 1937, in New Britain, Connecticut to the late Henry and Ruthe (Anderson) Williams. He attended grade school and high school in Connecticut, graduating from New Britain High School in 1955. Mr. Williams graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1959 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and from Hartford Seminary in 1967 with a M.A. in Religious Education. In 1960, Bruce moved from Connecticut to Biloxi, Mississippi and he began his career in education and social work at Back Bay Mission. During his time at Back Bay Mission, “Mr. Bruce” was instrumental in managing the kindergarten program and driving the afterschool programs. In addition, as Education Director and Associate Director, Bruce was responsible for establishing and expanding the reach of the Head Start program on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and traveled extensively advising clients on Early Childhood Education operations and best practices. In 1974, Bruce accepted a teaching position at St. Thomas Catholic Elementary School in Long Beach, Mississippi where he taught for over 20 years. At St Thomas, he was a passionate educator who made Social Studies and Art interesting for several generations of students, while also working in the advertising department at the Sun Herald in the evenings. Upon completing his teaching tenure at St. Thomas, Bruce moved on to work in casino customer relations at the Beau Rivage, Grand Casino, and Treasure Bay until earlier this year. Bruce was a longtime member of St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Gulfport and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs; while at St. Peter’s, he served every Christmas season as Saint Nicholas for the children in the congregation and was active in the church’s Men’s Group. Bruce will forever be remembered by his family and friends. He is survived by ex-wife Marjorie (George) Williams of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; his daughter, Brynn Heather and her husband, Robert Joachim of Biloxi; his son, Seth Michael and his wife, Brett Williams of Dunwoody, Georgia; his treasured grandchildren Reid Marshall and Grantham Anderson Williams; and countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. He was predeceased by his sister, Susan Williams Penrose and her husband Phillip Penrose. Bruce touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor throughout his life. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Bruce’s life on Sunday, December 12, from 2 - 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Gulfport, Mississippi, 1912 East Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, MS 39501. A reception at the church will follow immediately after the service. The family thanks all the family and friends who touched Bruce’s life and requests all donations be sent in his name to Back Bay Mission to support their outstanding efforts to serve the community, 1012 Division Street • Biloxi, MS 39530. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.