Bruce Bingham Batchelor of Mountain City was born September 12, 1920 and passed away Saturday, November 3, 2012. He was active for all of his 92 years. He loved aircraft, autos, HAM radio, and most of all, his family. He and his wife, Wanda, recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Born in Springfield, MA, Bruce’s love of flying began as a youngster when he watched Charles Lindberg fly the Spirit of St. Lewis over Pittsburgh, PA and rode in a Ford tri-motor in 1932. As a 1st Lt. in the 14th AF during WWII, Bruce flew C-47s with the 27th Troop Carrier Squadron in Southeast China until VJ Day. He received the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Texas Veterans Land Board honored his service as part of its “Voices of Veterans” oral history program and exhibit in 2011. Bruce obtained his Class B Ham radio operators license at 15 (W8QCS). He never missed an opportunity to talk with his radio buddies around the country (N4AL1). After graduating from the University of Texas in 1953, Bruce worked on space-age aircraft at General Dynamics, including the B-36, B-58, F-111 and F-16 as a Professional and Senior Flight Test Engineer. He also held Safety Professional and Industrial Hygienist certifications.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Wanda L. Batchelor, his daughter Christine E. McKeeman and husband Leland, grandchildren John E. Potter, Ryan K. McKeeman, and Jennifer L. McKeeman , and brother Richard L. Batchelor and wife Elisabeth.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, William C. and Elizabeth S. Batchelor, and his older brother, Kenyon S. Batchelor.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Graveside services followed at Wilson Valley Cemetery in Temple.
