Gary Bruce Toler, also lovingly known as “The Bruce,” Uncle Bruce, Brucie and “Ombre,” passed away on Oct. 4, 2018. He was born and raised in New Bern, son of Gracie Mae Tilghman Toler and Leon Macon Toler.

Once upon a time, Bruce spotted a young girl, and he was spotted by the same young girl. It was love at first sight. They finally spoke two years later in 1978. Bruce asked Alyce to marry him numerous times, but she always replied with no. Alyce moved to Texas to get away from him, and Bruce soon followed her there. They were together for eight years in Texas and Louisiana. They moved back to North Carolina in 1988 and married in 1989 to make their mothers proud. They would have been married 30 years this Oct. 28.

Bruce worked in the nuclear industry for 25 years as a crane operator. Prior to that, he worked in industrial construction with plants in North Carolina. His coworkers from the nuclear plants were his family, while his time was shared between them and Alyce.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father and mother.

He is survived by his wife, Alyce Nell Radcliff-Toler, and his sweet girl, Chessie Blanche; brothers, Allen and Charles Toler; 12 nieces and nephews; and 17 great-nieces and -nephews.

Visitation and a time to share memories will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7, at Bryant Funeral Home.

Alyce will have a private memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Journey of Hope, CCHC Foundation, 1010 Medical Park Ave. New Bern, NC 28562.

Arrangements are by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance.