Bruce Eliot Burnham

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Bruce Eliot Burnham. Following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer, Bruce passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at the age of 68 years. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Pamela; children: Sherlyn (Henry) and Shana; grandchildren: Jamesyn, Keatyn, Landyn, Lilianne, and Helen; mother: Jan Sweeney; sisters: Bobbi Jo, Sally, Carol, and Debbie; as well as numerous friends and relatives.

After only being married 10 months, he was drafted by the US Army where he served a year as an MP in Vietnam. While in service to his country he earned a Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He returned home to Tampa after his military service and used the G.I. Bill to pursue a college education. He earned an AA degree from Hillsborough Community College and later transferred to the University of South Florida. He took a break from college in 1977 and he and Pam bought a bread route with Arnold Foods Company. He worked this route for 7 years, putting away money to complete his internship. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in 1985 and earned his Master’s Degree from USF 10 years later. He would ultimately determine to use his knowledge of the war and his love of the past to become a history teacher at Armwood High School in Seffner, FL. His grand charisma, incredible sense of humor, sincere compassion for others, and booming voice were prevailing qualities for coaching softball, sponsoring clubs, leading local field trips and trips around the world, organizing Tampa stadium fundraisers, and announcing for both baseball and football games as the “Voice of the Hawks.” For 30 years he spoke to high school students about the mistakes and successes of the past while giving them the tools to create their own futures. Most would say that the “Mayor of Armwood” taught them more about life than they realized and are grateful for the opportunities he gave them to debate, discuss, and learn.

Bruce found ways to diversify his classrooms at Armwood by adding Dual Enrollment courses to his schedule and found other opportunities and arenas to share his knowledge. He spent quite a few summers teaching high school migrant students so they could earn their high school diplomas and even taught incoming freshmen how to be ready for college at the HCC campus. One of the most powerful projects he initiated during his time at Armwood was the “Oral Histories of the Vietnam War.” He partnered his students with veterans in the community for the purpose of sharing and ultimately publishing the intimate stories from that time in our nation’s history. Even after his retirement and later his cancer diagnosis, he continued to actively serve with veterans and volunteered with the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America) Association.

After retiring in 2015, he continued using his voice by speaking to classes at various schools in Hillsborough County about his Vietnam experiences. He revived his role as the “Voice of the Hawks” by becoming the announcer for baseball games at Hillsborough Community College. As avid sports fans, Bruce and Pam were on a mission to visit all 30 professional baseball parks. They were able to see 23 of them.

Through all of his service to the community, students, and veterans, he maintained a life devoted to his family. His 1st priority was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He attended performances, church services, and events where his closest family members shined. His applause and voice could always be heard at the conclusion of these events as he loudly showed his support and pride. Bruce also had a steady way of continuously showing his love and support through deep conversations, heartfelt embraces, and quiet moments where he intended to ease the pain and hurt felt by those he loved most.

His “larger than life” presence will forever be missed by all those who knew him.

A private service for the family only will be held on October 16th at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home in Brandon, FL. A public Celebration of Life will be held at Armwood High School at a later date. Memorial Donations may be made in Bruce’s name to “Let’s Win! Pancreatic Cancer” at www.letswinpc.org.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the VA Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center for their care and compassion these last 3 and a half years.