George Raymond Bruce, 87, of Ironton, died Monday, March 21, 2011, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Ky. The Ironton native was born April 23, 1923, the son of the late Frank H. and Lillian Keys Bruce.

Mr. Bruce was a 1941 graduate of Dawson-Bryant High School and a U.S. Army Air Force WWII veteran. He was a former captain for the Ironton Fire Department, retiring in 1976 and a Perry Township Trustee for 16 years. He taught fire and emergency medical training for many years. He was a life member of the VFW Post 8850 and former post commander. He was also a member of the Amvets Post 108 in Ashland, American Legion Post 76 in Ashland, the Masonic Lodge #198 in Ironton, the York Rites and Scottish Rites, and a 32nd Degree Mason. He lived all his life in Lawrence County and was of the Protestant faith.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Jo Bruce; a sister, Mary Lee Stewart; and two brothers, Frank H. Bruce and Thomas Bruce.

He is survived by a son, George R. Bruce Jr of Columbus; a daughter, Janet Sue Horn of Ironton; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Woodland Cemetery, Soldiers Section, with military graveside rites by the VFW Post 8850 and  Rev. James Cremeans officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.