Joseph Bruce Stainback

HENDERSON-Joseph Bruce Stainback, 80, of Henderson, NC, passed away quietly Friday afternoon, October 13, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family and close friends after a very long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bruce was born in Henderson, NC on December 19, 1942 and was the third child and first son to the late Ballard Morton Stainback and Betty Lou (Dorsey) Stainback of Henderson. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Ayscue Stainback and his one daughter, Andrea Jeneen Stainback of Kansas City, MO and a sister, Joyce Stainback George of Wendell, NC. He was preceded in death by a sister Evelyn Stainback Hayes. Bruce was in the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970. In 1969, Bruce was promoted to Sergeant for his faithful attention to duty and diligent effort to improve himself and his unit. His biggest accomplishment was his career at the City of Henderson Fire Department where he proudly served his city and saved countless numbers of lives. He began his 40 years of service there in 1966. His hard work and dedication to the field as well as his passion for serving and protecting others led to many promotions throughout his career. He started out as a Pumper Engineer and in 1973 was promoted to Lieutenant. within just one year, and was promoted again to Captain in 1974. He held that role proudly and during that tenure received several acknowledgements from the Fire Chief or the City of Henderson about his outstanding job training of his firefighters, his ability to work on all types of fire equipment, and his outstanding performance in duties at the department. Bruce was presented the Fireman of The Year Award in 1989 by the Henderson Jaycees. In 1999, Bruce was promoted again to Fire Chief / Battalion Commander. He fulfilled the rest of his 40-year career with the City of Henderson Fire Department until his retirement in 2006. Not only did Bruce have a rewarding career at the department but he was also very well known for other things like driving the Snorkel Fire Truck, his favorite, in the yearly Henderson Christmas Parades, grilling his special chicken for the guys on his shift throughout the years, and volunteering to climbing to the top of the Municipal Water Tank when it needed painting. Bruce had been employed at C & P Body Shop for seven years before his health declined. This was his fun job since he had such a love for rebuilding Chevrolet Trucks! Two of his other two favorite things were deer hunting and riding his Harley Davidsons. During deer season, he wasn’t home much but you could probably find him in a tree stand or at Egypt Mountain Hunting Club either tending to his hunting dogs or hanging out with his hunting buddies. Bruce loved riding his motorcycles and took a lot of pride in keeping them in pristine condition. It was definitely one of his favorite things to do in the summer on a Saturday or Sunday evening. Bruce was a long-time member of West End Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee and was an active usher many Sundays. He was also President of the Furman Cothran Sunday School Class. In 2009, Bruce was presented with an appreciation award from the church. He loved serving for his church community and was very active with members, many projects, and cookouts. In 2011, West End Baptist Church was given a special thanks by the Vance County Board of Commissioners for their hard work and temporary shelter due to an apartment fire. Although many church members worked diligently to assist, the board specifically mentioned the hard work performed by Bruce and his work with all emergency personnel to ensure that the needs of the dislocated residents were adequately met. Visitation will be at J.M. White Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 7 – 8:30 pm. Funeral Services will be at West End Baptist Church, conducted by Pastor Cade Patterson, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 2:00. Burial with Fireman and Military Honors will follow at Sunset Gardens. Pallbearers will be Bob Lloyd, Shields Tucker, Jerry A. Ayscue, Sam Harper, Andy Roberson, Art Patterson, Danny Wilkerson, and Herbie Grissom. Honorary Pallbearers will be the City of Henderson Fire Department and Retirees. The family would like to thank all the faithful family and friends who were always willing to help with meals and visits. Thank you to the healthcare personnel at Gentiva Home Care for all the services provided to Bruce throughout his years at home while being bedridden. A very special “Thank You” to Gloria Durham for her dedication, support, and tremendous love and care giving provided to Bruce and always being there! We would also like to thank the City of Henderson Fire Department for going over and above on countless number of occasions, from bringing meals, helping to move Bruce, or just to stop by to say Hello to “Captain Stainback”. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to West End Baptist Church at 619 Dabney Dr, Henderson, NC 27536 or to the Parkinson’s Foundation to do more research for Firefighters. https://www.parkinson.org/