More detail on this person: Gerald Bruce Fairley September 12, 1946 - July 7, 2023 Gerald Bruce Fairley, a cherished resident of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away in his sleep on the morning of Friday, July 7, 2023. Bruce is remembered by his beloved children and their blossoming families: Thomas (Alex) Fairley, his wife Teri, and their sons, Andrew and Jackson; Shayne Fairley, his wife Becky, and their children, Noah and Luke; Ashleigh (Fairley) O'Hara, her husband Warren, and their children, Charlotte and Tommy; Cody Allsup, his wife Anna, and their children Harlin and Revie. His brother Barry Fairley, a constant and comforting presence, survives him, alongside Barry's wife Sharon and their son Tim Dixon, his wife Darlene, and their son Seth. Debbie Burton, Bruce's companion and best friend, and loyal furry baby, Chloe. Bruce now reunites in the great beyond with the mother of his children, Charlotte (mother to Shayne and Ashleigh) and Beckie (mother to Cody), as well as his loving sister, Joyce Gebhardt, who passed before him. Bruce was welcomed into this world as the first son of Herbert and Mary Alice Fairley. His first accomplishment was as a 1964 graduate of Butler High School, before attending Augusta College. Embracing the call of duty, Bruce attended helicopter flight school, dedicating himself to the U.S. Army and serving courageously in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Company "C", 158th Aviation Battalion at Camp Evans near Hue in 1970 and 1971. His bravery and unwavering commitment were recognized through numerous commendations, including a Bronze Star, 2 Air Medals with Valor, Vietnam Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and several other service medals that mirror the spirit of a true hero. Upon returning home, Bruce welcomed his first son, Thomas Fairley, in Augusta with the wife Betty Fairley. Later, he embraced the birth of his son Shayne and his daughter Ashleigh in Columbia with wife Charlotte Fairley. His professional journey in banking and automotive financing led him through Augusta, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, Port St. Lucie, FL, finally culminating in a well-earned retirement in Columbia, where he discovered companionship and comfort with Debra Burton during his twilight years. Bruce was an avid sports fan, especially loving the South Carolina Gamecocks. Bruce was an active member of Northeast Presbyterian Church; involved and dedicated to bible study and supporting the prayer line. He was a lover of golf and cooking nice meals to share while spending time with his friends and neighbors. Details of the memorial arrangements remain under consideration. In memory of Bruce, the family encourages everyone to express their love by hugging and telling those you love how much they mean to you. In every embrace, may we remember the love and warmth that Bruce Fairley shared with us all.
This information was last updated 09/14/2023
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Date posted on this site: 06/15/2024
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