George S. "Sandy" Bruce

A fourth generation Houstonian, Sandy was born April 20, 1935 to George S. Bruce Jr. and Laura Kirkland Bruce who preceded him in death. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and the University of Texas where he graduated with a degree in business. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity where he made many lifelong friendships. He worked in the insurance business for over 40 years, first with his father and brother at George S. Bruce Insurance, which was bought by Alexander and Alexander. After a brief stint in commercial real estate when he became a pilot of small planes, Sandy returned to insurance to finish his career in a partnership with Bruce & Wimberly.

A former member of Houston Country Club for more than 40 years, Sandy was always up for golf or a game of poker or bridge in the Red Room. Sandy was an avid sportsman and the biggest University of Texas Longhorn fan that you would ever meet. He was President of the Houston Texas Exes and attended many Longhorn and Oiler games for over 30 years. His father helped bring the Colt 45’s to Houston, so Sandy took distinct pleasure in the Astros’ World Series win. He was also a former member of Allegro and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. He enjoyed his relationship with his Blues Brothers.

Sandy is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Frances Nelms Bruce who he traveled and sang with at every opportunity. Fran and Sandy spent many happy years traveling to interesting places and driving on his famous road trips, but his favorite trip was his solo trip to Antarctica with James Michener.

Sandy is survived by a large and loving family. His children are Laura Bruce Maddox and husband Jack, Emily Bruce Chapman and husband Gib, Kirkland Vandervoort Bruce and wife Beth, Walter Jenkins Bruce and wife Elizabeth and his stepson Joseph Jaworski and wife Rebecca. He lost a son, George S. Bruce IV in 1964. His grandchildren include Sean Maddox Cameron and husband Brett, Michael Maddox and wife Megan, Nick Chapman, Wilson Chapman, Cy Bruce, Thomas Bruce, Sarah Bruce, Lauren Apollo, Walt Bruce, Caroline Bruce, Lee Jaworski and Sasha Jaworski.

He is also survived by his brother William K. (“Billy”) Bruce and his wife Ann and their children Bill and Clare Bruce and Marianna and Gerrald Giblin; his sister-in-law Mary Rotenberry and her children Mike and Sarah Rotenberry, Mary Cecil and Michael Patton, and Leslie Rotenberry; sister-in-law Margaret Nelms and her children Jim Nelms Jr., Nancy Nelms and Lori Nelms; his cousin Arthur S. Vandervoort and his wife Carolyn; and his cousin Barbara Chiles as well as his former wives Kay Brazelton Bruce and Jean Bible. His adored dogs, Anna and Sampson, also precede him in death.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 10:00 am at Forest Park Westheimer at 12800 Westheimer Road. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Tarrytowne Estates. Pallbearers will be Bill Bruce, Cy Bruce, Thomas Bruce, Walt Bruce, Nick Chapman, Wilson Chapman, Les Clark, Gerrald Giblin, Lee Jaworski, Jim Nelms Jr., and Kirkland Vandervoort. We would like to thank Molly and her crew at Tarrytowne Estates and to the caregivers at The Concierge particularly, Brenda, Andre and Polo.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Texas Great Pyranees Rescue at www.txpyrs.org or the charity of your choice.