Mr. Bruce Ely, age 61 of the Blackville Community of Soperton passed away peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2023 at his residence.

Born in Swainsboro, he was the youngest of two sons born to the late James Carlton Ely Sr. and Mavel Dean Dickens Ely.   As a native and lifelong resident of the Blackville Community, he left high school early to go to work.   Bruce loved to drive and had been doing so since the age of four.  His first job was working at Adrian Homes, where his father worked, and he remained for approximately 16 years as a Truck Driver.  He later worked with various farmers around the community.

He and his family have been lifelong members of the Blackville Church of God where Bruce drove the church bus.  He assumed the responsibility for the roadworthiness of the bus and the safe journey and return of the youth and adult Honey Bunch Club to various church related events.  He loved his church and his church family.  He and his father were the first ones there and the last to leave.  Before being a Greeter was a position, Bruce and his Daddy created that position at Blackville.  His Daddy was oftentimes sitting in a chair but was still welcoming and making everyone feel at home while Bruce would work the doors.  Bruce loved music and was accomplished on the bass and rhythm guitar; both the acoustic flattop and electric.  He enjoyed singing with the Dickens Family Gospel Group, acting up and singing with Bubba and the Hayrakers at various local church home comings and other events; and performing the part of a Centurion Soldier in the annual Easter Passion Play at his church.

In addition to his passion for his faith and his church, Bruce was passionate about Blackville Volunteer Fire Department; of which he was a Co -Founder.  In the late 1980s, Bruce and other local community members saw the need, obtained a used fire truck and the Blackville Volunteer Fire Department began to serve the community.  Bruce remained in a position of leadership at that station for over thirty years.

He loved NASCAR and Richard Petty; the Atlanta Braves (if they were winning), four wheelers, motorcycles and the Georgia Bulldogs.

He leaves behind, his brother, Carlton Ely (Connie), Blackville Community of Soperton, GA, a niece, Kimberly Ely, Soperton, GA, a nephew, Kenneth Ely, Dublin, GA and two great nephews, Jonah and Gage and a great niece, Cole.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Blackville Church of God with Pastor Barry Peavey officiating.

Bruce will be laid to rest beside his parents in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery with full Firefighter's honors provided by the Dublin Fire Department Honor Guard, who will also serve as active pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Volunteer Fire Fighters, First Responders and Law Enforcement with whom Bruce unselfishly served our community.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Blackville Church of God.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register at ww.sammonsfuneralhome.com

SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME, Building Relationships, Preserving Memories and Providing Care to you and your loved ones.  912-529-4411 office, 478-455-0671 cell, 912-529-6290 res.