Edwin B. "Bruce" Jeffress

November 22, 1939 - March 8, 2018

Edwin B. “Bruce” Jeffress, age 78 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2018, at 2:23 PM at his home. Bruce was born November 22, 1939 in Tampa, Florida. He was the son of Edwin Bruce and Maud (Southwood) Jeffress. On July 14, 1984, Bruce was united in marriage to Barbara Vaughn at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. She survives. In addition to his wife, Bruce is survived by: his children – Bruce (Robin) McCandless of Holmes, New York, Betsy (Rob) Davis of Sebastian, Florida; and Morgan (Chris) Banks of Vienna; 4 grandchildren – Kevin, Sarah, Scott and Kayla; a brother – Mike (Paula) Jeffress of Fairfax, Virginia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends and former students. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents. Bruce was a graduate of the Clay Kentucky High School. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Science and Chemistry as well as a Masters Degree in Mathematics from Murray State University. Bruce was an educator and taught at Vienna High School from 1967-1994. Bruce was also employed for several years by the Five County Regional Vocational System at Tamms, Illinois, prior to his retirement. He formerly served as a board member for Family Counseling, Inc. as well as a member of the executive board for the Southern Seven Health Department. Bruce was a member of the Vienna First United Methodist Church. He loved music and attending performances of the Paducah Symphony orchestra. Bruce enjoyed a number of pastimes, including working crossword puzzles and, in his youth, spending time on Kentucky Lake. Bruce had also enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an avid NASCAR race fan. Bruce is especially remembered for his love of family and he cherished time spent with them. A service honoring the life of Bruce Jeffress will be conducted Tuesday morning, March 13, 2018, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Dr. Joe Richard will officiate. A eulogy will be delivered by Lawrence Kinkade. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening, March 12, 2018, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Vienna High School Scholarship Fund, 601 North 1st St., Vienna, Illinois 62995