Bruce Arthur Biggs

Published 10:49 am Thursday, March 27, 2025

Bruce Arthur Biggs, age 80, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 25, 2025. Born to Chester and Alma Biggs, Bruce grew up in Pinetown, NC in a loving family. It was this upbringing where he developed the strong character that defined his life.

A 1962 graduate of Bath High School, Bruce was a standout athlete, earning all-conference honors in football and baseball and lettering in basketball, serving as captain of each team. During his time at Bath, the team won the football state championship three years in a row. Bruce had offers to play football and baseball at East Carolina College and chose to play baseball. Bruce was equally serious about his studies. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1966 from East Carolina Business School.

Bruce embarked on a successful career in banking with Wachovia in Elizabeth City and then Jacksonville where he served in the position of City Executive. In 1980, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, purchasing a car dealership that ultimately became Biggs Pontiac Buick Cadillac Oldsmobile and GMC Trucks in Elizabeth City.

A respected businessman, Bruce was also a dedicated mentor. He served as Chairman of the North Carolina Automobile Dealer Association (NCADA) in 2004 and founding Chairman of the Investment Committee in 2002. In 2015, he received the NCADA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Deeply committed to his community, Bruce was a lifelong Rotarian, served as President, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a longtime board member of the United Way, receiving the inaugural Keel Club award for philanthropy in 2019. Governor Jim Martin appointed him to the College of the Albemarle board of trustees in 1990, where he served for 26 years, becoming its longest-serving member and a lifetime member in 2016. In 2009, Bruce received a Distinguished Alumni Award from East Carolina University. He also served on the UNC Lineberger Cancer Board of Visitors and the North Carolina Aquarium Society Board of Directors for over a decade. A faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church, he served on many vestries and was the finance committee chairman for many years. In 2019, Governor Roy Cooper honored Bruce with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his significant contributions to the state and local community, which is the highest civilian honor given by the State of North Carolina.

Bruce’s greatest legacy is his family. As a husband, father and grandfather he demonstrated wisdom, patience, support, and strength. He taught by his fine example. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Anna Douglas Biggs; his children, Britt Biggs Myers and husband Tem of Rocky Mount and Douglas Bruce Biggs and wife Melissa of Atlanta; and his cherished grandchildren, Eliza and Bess Myers and Louise and Bruce Biggs. He is also survived by his siblings, Lois Biggs Tetterton, Wade Biggs, Gene Biggs, Wanda Biggs Watford, and Mitch Biggs.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his devoted friends Janice L. Dance, William Lewis and Ana Alvarez, his compassionate and loving caregivers Sharon Armstrong and Melanie Sutton, and his faithful dog Lucy, who never left his side.

Bruce will be remembered for his quiet generosity, dignified manner, kind heart, and unwavering integrity. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and his impact on his community will be deeply missed.

A service to celebrate Bruce’s life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 200 S. McMorrine St., Elizabeth City on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2PM followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Crossnore School, P.O. Box 249, Crossnore, NC 28616; The Food Bank of the Albemarle, 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City, NC 27909; or to the Saint Phillips Endowment at Christ Episcopal Church, 200 S. McMorrine Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Biggs Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.