It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Coleman Bruce Smyser on January 21, 2017 at the age of 90. Bruce passed away at his home, with his wife Julia Belle Smyser and family by his side; we rejoice that he is sharing a glorious eternity and fellowship with his Heavenly Father.

Bruce was born October 2, 1926 in Prospect, Kentucky to Coleman Smyser and Virginia Knight Williams; he was one of six children. He is succeeded by his sisters, Shirley Crawford, Margaret McKenney, and Mary Roger Williamson; his brother, James Luther Williams and sister, Bertha Joe Vance have also passed away.

Bruce lived a life of service to others, beginning as a Navy Seaman in the Pacific, during World War II; just two years after his return home, he married his high school sweetheart, Julia, in 1948. Bruce was a graduate of Indiana University where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Education; he went on to receive a Master's Degree in Fine arts from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

In addition to his Navy service, Bruce led an Army Art Combat team, commissioned by the National Art Archives, to Vietnam during the late 1960's. Bruce ended his distinguished career with a 35 year stint working for the U.S. Army Special Services as Art Director. Bruce had a keen eye and enormous talent as an artist; he was a sculptor, often using religious themes for many of his works created in walnut and marble (i.e. Prodigal Son and The Trinity). His work is on permanent display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Detroit, Michigan and The Museum of Art in Asheville, North Carolina.

Bruce's life reminds us of the great sacrifice many men have made that allow us to live freely. The old adage never rang truer: "To whom much is given, much is required." Bruce served his family and his country with love, dignity and dedication.

Mr. Smyser is survived by his sweetheart, and wife of 69 years, Julia Belle Smyser and their three children: Jerry Spencer Smyser of Washington D.C.; Carole Bowman of Lynchburg, Virginia; and David Smyser of Fort Collins, Colorado. Bruce's great legacy also follows his nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service, for Bruce, will be held on January 27, 2017 at 1 P.M. in the Pate Chapel of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia; He will be laid to rest at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, Virginia. May he Rest in Peace.