Bruce Alan Jessee, age 69, of State Route 174, Soldier, closed his eyes here and opened them in Heaven on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Born April 24, 1954, in New Castle, Indiana, he was a son of the late Howard Milton Jessee and Geneiveve Elkins Jessee.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Kenneth and Ada Webb; maternal grandmother, Blanche Elkins; one brother, Jerry Jessee; and one sister, Carol Ann Shelton.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Atonnia Webb Jessee, whom he married September 2, 1972; one son, Michael Jessee and wife Beth of Soldier; one brother, Wayne Jessee and wife Mary of Soldier; and one sister, Kimberly Sue Jessee of Soldier.

Other survivors include two special nephews, Anthony Jessee and Mike Bays; special friends, Stanley and Tracy Barker who were former students, which he thought of as family, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, one aunt, his church family, and many friends.

He worked for several years as a concrete finisher until an injury left him to change his career. He became a middle school teacher which he enjoyed until his retirement.

Bruce loved his family, and they meant everything to him, but he loved the church and Lord above all. He loved spending time with family and enjoyed dinners with them, trips to Pigeon Forge, hunting, and taking Tonni to Cave Run fishing.

His greatest joy came when the Lord saved him in 1986. He was a member of the Soldier Church of God where he was an ordained deacon on July 30, 2016. On July 29, 2017, he was put on the standing committee for the Church of God Conference. He enjoyed going to church and working for the Lord. He desired to please the Lord and that everyone knew his love of God was above all things in life.  He wanted his testimony to be that he kept the faith and endured to the end. Bruce said that the church had always been there with love, prayers, and always ready to help.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Clifford "Tippy" Price and Brother Steve Madden officiating. Burial will follow in Bradley Cemetery in Carter County.

Pallbearers:  Mark Adkins, Phillip Black, Kevin Brown, Keith Hargett, Mark Cline, and Anthony Jessee.  Honorary pallbearers:  Jody Bardley, Danny Waddell, Roy D. Porter, Stanley Barker, and Tracy Barker.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funeral, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com