More detail on this person: It is with great saddness in our hearts but the joy and comfort of our faith that we announce the passing of Col (ret) W. Bruce Wilder into a new life. Bruce is survived by his wife Patricia Wright Patten Wilder, and by W. Bruce Jr. (Kirsten), R. Shannon, and Mark A (Christy) Wilder, and by step-sons George (Donna), Michael, Joel (Betsy) Steven (Tracey) and Mark Patten, and his precious sisters, Barbara Gillespie and Jean (Gerald) Winstead and many very special nieces and newphews. Bruce was born in Page, KY, in a log house built by his father. They moved to Kingsport, Tennessee in his early teens and he was a 1955 graduate of Dobyns Bennet High School where his photo can be found in their hall of fame. He began his college years at Georgia Tech on a basketball scholarship but transferred to Davidson College where he was also blessed to receive a basketball scholarship. Following graduation and with a young son and wife, Bruce went on active duty in the army where he spent twenty eight years flying in service to his country which included two combat tours in vietnam flying attack helicopters. For his actions he received the silver star, the purple heart, the distinguished flying cross and two air medals with v device. He retired in 1987 after serving as director of army aviation health & safety. Following retirement, Bruce attended Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and upon ordination accepted a call to become the mission developer of what is today the growing and vibrant Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Haymarket, VA. His last call prior to full retirement was as senior pastor of st. Andrew Lutheran Church in st. Petersburg, FL. Bruce never met a stranger and folks were drawn to him everywhere he went. He loved to travel, play card games and work on his book for his boys! He was a very proud recipient of more than one Paul Harris Award and past President of his Kingsport Rotary Club. From his children (biological or step) through 26 grands and 24 ½ great grands who called him 'granddad', he was beloved. We were truly blessed to have been allowed to share his walk. Peace my sweet Bruce .. We love you to the moon and back.. A memorial service will be planned for march 2022 to honor what would be his 85th birthday. In lieu of flowers contributions would be gratefully recognized to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the veterans organization of your choice.
This information was last updated 11/04/2021
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association