Bruce Cumbo Sr
Age - 86
December 1, 2023
Bruce Allen Cumbo, Sr. , "PaPa", age 86, of Clemmons, NC, passed away Tuesday following a two-year treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. His trademark tenacity and the unwavering care of his wife, Mary Ellen, sustained him during this time.
Bruce was born in Winston-Salem, NC, to Jeanette and Frank Cumbo. He graduated from Newton-Conover High School and enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving 28 months in Okinawa, Japan, as an SP5.
He returned to Winston-Salem, where he met his future wife. Following their wedding, they moved to Lenoir, NC, where he worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance and where all three children were born. The family returned to Winston-Salem, where Bruce began the next phase of his career: over 25 years with Lowe’s Home Improvement in contract sales and two years with Smith-Phillips Building Supply. His attention to detail and excellent customer service ensured he was successful.
Following his retirement in 1998, Bruce and Mary Ellen embarked on their retirement dream of seeing the U. S. in their RV. They enjoyed many trips, including winters in Florida and ultimately visiting 44 states and six Canadian provinces. They made lifelong memories and friends during their journeys, especially with the Western Winnies Winnebago Club. Bruce’s happy place was their beach house in Pawley’s Island, S. C. He loved looking at the water and watching sunsets over a glass of wine at the Litchfield-By-The-Sea seaside deck. You can be sure he would strike up a conversation with anyone sitting there!
Bruce’s most significant legacy and an immense source of pride was his family. Many fantastic memories were created on camping and beach trips. As the family grew, trips expanded to include spouses, friends, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the group grew, so did the love, fun, and noise!
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Libby Smith. He leaves behind many to celebrate his life: his wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen; children: Cindy Klaess (John), Deborah Chambliss (Michael), and Bruce, Jr. (Karen); 11 grandchildren: Katelyn (Kenneth), Meghan, Madison (Andrew), James, Henry, Mary Catherine, Emma Katherine, Mac, Alyssa, Jack, and Lucas; and five great-grandchildren: Camden, Charlotte, Audrey, Naeda, and Ollie.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the expert, compassionate care provided by the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center. This includes Dr. Reed, Dr. Powell, and the team of infusion center staff. A special thank you is extended to the team at the Clemmons Infusion Center.
A visitation will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Hayworth Miller Silas Creek, 3315 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103. A Celebration of Life will be held the next day, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Hayworth Miller Silas Creek Chapel, with Rev. Gary Camp officiating. A graveside committal will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jimmy V. Foundation in Bruce's memory (www. v. org).
Online condolences may be made at www. hayworth-miller. comShow more
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