George Frederick Bruch, Jr.'s Obituary
George F. (Fred) Bruch, Jr
George and Edna Lee Bruch had no idea what Fred’s (George Jr) future would be when he arrived in the world May 12, 1948. Growing up in Memphis, he loved Elvis, rock and roll, Blues music, and Momma’s and Big Momma’s cooking. Who could resist homemade biscuits and gravy, BBQ sandwich, turnip greens, pecan pie and homemade peach ice cream?
Fred was intrigued with gadgets. This often got him in trouble when he took them apart to see how they worked. Like father, like son. Fred was the first born, and needed someone to play with, so his parents gave him two sisters, Claire and Amy. Fred loved his sisters, but he was really hoping to get a dog.
The days were long but the years short, and after college, adventure, disguised as Uncle Sam, was knocking on the front door. This started decades of travel in the Air Force, from flying helicopters to C-141 Starlifter cargo planes. Fred had experiences most people dream about, landing on the ice in Antarctica, flying over the sparkling waters of New Zealand, to flying into the unpredictable Middle East. After his military retirement, he returned to Memphis to work at FedEx Flight Training and have more of mom’s home cooking.
Fred wasn’t all work and no play; he found time to be a father to two daughters, Michelle and Andrea. Many years later he met his second, and last wife, in Japan. She told him she was a Northern girl and didn’t know how to cook Southern food, but he married her anyway. Over 42 years later she still can’t cook Southern food, but can make Rice Krispie treats.
Fred was a private person, a hidden gem, well-liked by his peers and friends. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair, and Fred was taken too early by cancer. Fred passed away August 11, 2025 but will never be forgotten by those who knew him. Vaya con Dios Fred!
Following cremation, a private graveside service will be attended by family. Instead of flowers, a donation to an animal rescue or shelter would be appreciated.
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