Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Irwin “Bruce” McGee, 79, formerly of Willard, Ohio, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020, at Genesis Hospital, Zanesville, Ohio. He was born to Irvin and Rose (Littleton) McGee on Dec. 21, 1940, in Richmond ,Virginia. He frequently spent time with his aunt and uncle in Michigan who were musicians and active in the Salvation Army. This led to Bruce’s fondness for singing hymns.

He attended high school in Detroit and earned a degree in criminal justice from St. Leo College in St. Augustine, Florida, while he was in the service. Bruce was a proud 21-year veteran of the United States Army. He then continued for 14 years as a civil servant in supply management until 1993. Bruce served in communications and supply while stationed in Vicenza, Italy, Manheim, Germany, and La Trang, Vietnam. Bruce was the owner of B&B Entertainment and a substitute teacher in Willard, Ohio, from 1997-2001. Besides being a Mason and a Shriner, Bruce was a member of the American Legion, Loyal Order of the Moose and the V.F.W. He attended Nashport­ Irville United Methodist Church in Nashport, Ohio.

He enjoyed hosting karaoke and doing Elvis appearances as well as his barbershop quartet, The For-Tune Cookies. Recently, he was interested in playing cards and classic cars. Bruce will be remembered for his generosity and upbeat mood.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Brenda J. (Springer) McGee, of Zanesville,

Ohio; by his children, Brian (Cindi) McGee, of Birmingham, Alabama, Melanie (Daniel) Arthur, of El Cajon, California; and by his grandchildren, Kayla, Katherine, Thomas, Abigail, Lydia and Simeon. He is also survived by a half-sister, Karen(Paige) Huff, of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Bruce is preceded in death by a son, Andrew, and a sister, Rose Soth.

Visitation and service will be held privately, and a private graveside service will follow at Edwards Grove Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be later. Eastman Funeral Home

is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106. Online condolences may be expressed by going to www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.