Albert Bruce Whitman was born on December 8, 1942, in Hodge Louisiana.
Bruce passed away October 18, 2025, following a brave fight with cancer. He was 82 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Albert Whitman and Myrtis Parker Whitman, his brothers, Ray Whitman and Rodger Whitman and his sister Faye Gaines. Also preceding him in death were a niece, Tyce Davis, and two brothers in law, Jerry Bullock and Bill Frazier.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ann Gay Whitman (who he called his soul mate and love of his life), his son Stacey Bruce Whitman and daughter Felicia Whitman Pate (Michael Pate), two grandchildren, Christopher Pate (Muriel) and Elizabeth Pate, 3 sisters in law, Lynette, Whitman, Patsy Jean Bullock, and Linda Frazier, and brothers in law Reece Gay and Bill Gaines, also his nieces, Jennifer Lancaster and Julie Frazier and nephews Mike Gay, Ken Frazier, Todd Bullock, Randy Bullock, Gaylon Whitman, Darron Whitman, and Michael Whitman, Tim Gaines, and Kent Gaines.
Bruce worked 42 years at the Hodge Paper Mill under several companies and retired from Smurfit Stone as Powerhouse Maintenance Supervisor.
He attended Hodge Baptist Church all his life, sang in the choir and was a deacon there where he loved to serve and help widow women and the people of the church. He and Ann loved to take them fresh vegetables, his great chili, food they had prepared, and their wonderful spaghetti sauce.
Bruce loved to deer hunt in the fall and winter and had some great mounts on his walls. He loved to raise a garden and give away vegetables.
He had such a welcoming spirit, He always had enough time, enough food, and enough room for everyone. This arms-open-wide attitude was proof of his generous heart. His everyday kindness and warm hugs made a difference to everyone who knew him.
He had a servant heart and helped anyone in need and set a Christ like example all His life.
He was a fighter, a peacemaker, a provider, a giver, an awesome cook, patient, kind, passionate, Godly, and one of the strongest men you have ever seen – both physically and Spiritually. This past year, we have watched him navigate a very scary cancer diagnosis with his typical strength and grace. He didn’t dwell on it, He just kept going. While not knowing when his physical journey would end, we all know exactly where his spiritual journey has taken Him, to be with His Blessed Savior who will say “Well done, my good and faithful Servant. Welcome Home.”
The Family would like to thank Heather Zimmerman, his hospice nurse, for all the love and attention given to him. They also thank Sandra Billings and all the staff at Forest Haven Nursing Home for all their love and all the things they did to make his last days the best they could be.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at Hodge Baptist Church from 8:00 until the start of the service. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Michael Whitman and Randy Dark officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Church near Quitman under the direction of Owens Funeral home.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Tim Gaines, Kent Gaines, Todd Bullock, Randy Bullock, Gaylon Whitman, and Darron Whitman.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Paul Johnson, Mike Brown and Harry Shows, and Gilbert Pickens.
