Bruce Elliot Lockliear, of Dade City, FL., was 78 years old. Among his many titles, "PomPom" was his favorite. After showing great fortitude, he was relieved of his earthly burdens on October 31, 2024.

Bruce was born in Miami, Florida on June 28, 1946, to Vivian and Clarence Lockliear. His brother, Lloyd, was 16 years his senior. In a town we now refer to as Little Havana, he affectionately called his birthplace "Northern Cuba." No doubt this is where he cultivated his love for salt water. Bruce graduated from Miami High School, attended Miami Dade Junior College, and ultimately earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of South Florida in Music Education and School Administration. This is where he met his beloved wife, Anita Thompson. They married at the end of their junior year, on June 5, 1968, in a sweet ceremony witnessed by their favorite people. As a predecessor to what their future would hold, that day and the following day were shared with musical performances in which Bruce was required to participate.

After graduation, Bruce obtained a position teaching Elementary and Junior High School Music, which brought them to the little town of Dade City. Soon after, their sons Bryan and Brent arrived, followed by a daughter, Alyse. After his many years of teaching music and serving as an assistant principal in Dade City, he retired in 2007. The ripples of his influence on music and academic success are still evident in Dade City today. With boys came countless events on a field, rarely missing one, nervous in the stands. Always proud to share in the latest victory, at times, he, his wife and daughter would drive 16 hours to watch a game. Bruce would drive Alyse to piano recitals, and they enjoyed Muppets humor at the end of a long school day. He would joyfully repeat this with his grandchildren, supporting sports, humor, and their latest endeavors.

After teaching himself to build his family home from referring books (no YouTube in the 70's) and consulting with professionals, Bruce could oftentimes be found piddling in the yard, fixing just about anything around the house to keep it all in tip top shape. Dressed in his typical slacks and button-down shirt, he had the uncanny ability to stay dry when washing the family car before church every Sunday. If your car was parked, it was washed.

Naps, or as he called it "checking his eyelids for holes," was just a pause to refuel for the next project or adventure. Bicycle riding, camping, following a trail of history, water sports, and mostly fishing were all possible events on the adventure docket. As a juxtaposition of sorts, Bruce was also a veracious reader, especially knowledgeable about the Bible. Bruce was passionate about learning a variety of subjects; if you gave him half a minute, a story or his knowledge would be freely shared. When traveling, guidebooks were not necessary if Bruce was with you.

Even though Bruce was well versed in instruments, able to play, teach and repair them, a few were elusive. His piano teacher gave passing scores, along with a vow to never share who taught him. As an adult the guitar was learned through weekly lessons, and his travel guitar was always nearby. Bruce's quiet nature did not match the way he preferred to play his most accomplished instrument, the French horn, loud and with grandeur. A typical brass player, he most recently contributed to the arts in his community as a member of the Dade City Symphony.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Anita, and his children Bryan (Erica) Lockliear of Acworth, GA; Brent (Jennifer) Lockliear of Indianapolis, IN and Alyse (Tony) Webb of Dade City. Beloved grandchildren include Drew Lockliear, Avery Lockliear, Reid Lockliear, Avery Williby, Brayden Williby, Bella Lockliear, Charley Williby, Dax Lockliear, Edison Webb and Elliot Webb. In addition, he had much loved nieces, nephews, in-laws and his church family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Dade City Christian Church on November 6th, 2024. Visitation will be at 3:30, followed by a service at 4:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Dade City Christian Church or the Dade City Symphony to carry on his spirit of selflessness.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4