Bruce Franklin Payne

After several long and valiant years of battling health problems, Bruce went to be with the Lord on Sunday. His family and friends take comfort in knowing that he was ready and at peace with this timing. Bruce was born on Sept. 17, 1942 in Asheville, NC. Loving the great outdoors and natural beauty of NC, he enjoyed his time working for the U.S. Forest Service. He later pursued law enforcement and became deputy sheriff in Asheville before moving across country and working for Wackenhut Security on the Alaska pipeline. He enjoyed driving through the scenic countryside and was especially fond of the Alaska Highway (ALCAN). During these years, he became the proud father of two daughters, Kim and Kristin. He fell in love with the Pacific NW and moved his family to Bremerton in 1978, where he worked as security police at Subbase Bangor for 19 years.

Bruce loved country and gospel music, demonstrated by his extensive collection of 450+ records and antique stereos. He also enjoyed finding old coins and jewelry with his metal detector. Other pastimes included reading non-fiction and U.S. history and watching old westerns, “old timey” shows, and Judge Judy.

Bruce was a man of faith, which laid a strong foundation for his family. He was a very hard worker and had such a kind and generous nature. He took loving care of his mother, Mildred, for five years until her passing in 2003. Family was everything to him and he cherished spending time with them, especially his four wonderful grandkids who he could not be more proud of.

Survivors include daughters Kim (Bruce) Muhleman, Kristin (Jon) Witham, grandkids Shane, Shelby, Luke, and Sarah, Aunt Margaret Morgan of Candler, NC, longtime dear friends Rich & Ann Ody, and roommate and good friend Gary Johnson. Special thanks to the superb staff at Martha & Mary for the excellent care they provided over the last 16 months. In lieu of flowers, Bruce’s wish was that guests would bring donations for the Kitsap Humane Society or for our local food bank to his service, which his family will deliver in his name. A memorial service will be at 5:00 pm Friday, December 4th at Miller Woodlawn Funeral Home with reception immediately following.