Bruce Neil Stevens

Bruce, a well beloved husband, Dad, Papa and Fire Captain, is now healed in Heaven after a long, hard fought battle with ALS.

Bruce was born in Ossining, New York and raised in Hicksville, Long Island. He moved to Florida and earned his Fire Science Degree from Miami Dade South. 

While in Miami, he met Jerri and they married on August 3rd, 1974. Bruce served in the US Air Force as a firefighter at Homestead AFB and with the Hialeah Fire Department. He and Jerri welcomed their daughter, Vanessa, and soon moved to Charlotte, NC. They would welcome their son Aaron three years later. 

While raising a young family, Bruce faithfully served as a firefighter in Charlotte, NC. He became a beloved Captain at Ladder 15, then Ladder 23 with the Charlotte Fire Department. Bruce was a tremendous firefighter, helping countless people, and earning the respect and admiration of his many colleagues and those in his community. 

He was also a wonderful, well-rounded man. He loved history, watching Jeopardy, landscaping, carpentry, cooking, running, playing softball and golf, traveling, coaching and going to Carolina Panthers games and Disney World. 

Bruce and Jerri placed their faith in Jesus and grew in their faith at All Saints Episcopal Church in Matthews, NC then continued in their Christian walk at Harvest Raleigh Church in Raleigh, NC. He was a devoted husband and father. He deeply loved Jerri and Vanessa and Aaron, cheering them on in all of their various endeavors. He was known to welcome their friends into his home, forging friendships and connections that remain fond memories still today. His son, Aaron, is tremendously proud to carry on his father's legacy as he currently serves as a Lieutenant with the Raleigh Fire Department. 

In 1998, Bruce was diagnosed with ALS and given 3-5 years to live. Through the miraculous grace of God, and the loving care and nursing skills of his wife, he beat all odds and lived with ALS for 23 years!

He and Jerri were inspirations to everyone who knew or observed them due to their strength and love during such deep, prolonged difficulty. 

Despite his growing limitations due to ALS, Bruce still faithfully attended church, continued to lovingly support his children and their spouses, and enjoyed much time with his grandchildren, attending many of their events and taking them often to Disney.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Jerri, of 47 years; his daughter, Vanessa Willis and her husband Mike; his son Aaron and Aaron’s wife Megan; and his four grandchildren Maddie, Luke, Ben and Evie as well as his brother Paul and sister Candy McCarthy. He was preceded in death by his parents Marianna and Carl and his brother Jeff. 

Our family is forever grateful to the ALS Clinic in Charlotte and all of the many nurses and aides who cared so well for him and our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association of NC or Harvest Raleigh Church.

A memorial service in Bruce’s honor will be held at Harvest Raleigh Church on Saturday, December 4th at 1pm. The service will also be live streamed and then posted for later viewing. 

Harvest Raleigh Church, 2817 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27616