BRUCE EDWARD BREEDING
November 20, 1952 – November 11, 2019
Bruce Edward Breeding, passed away surrounded by family on November 11, 2019, in Austin, Texas, after five-and-a-half months of a valiant recovery effort following multiple strokes this year.
Bruce was born November 20, 1952, in Dallas, Texas. He is preceded in death by his mother, Edith Simpson Breeding; father, Clark Walker Breeding, Jr.; and sister Elise Breeding Miller. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Susan Breeding, and their four children: Elisabeth and Steve Rizzotti, Jr., children Rebecca, Alexander, and Zachary; Stephen and Sarah Breeding, children Abby, Jack, Sarah Ruth, Liam, and Stephen, Jr.; David and Rachel Breeding, children Sage and Henry; and Emily and Erik Oldfather. He is also survived by his sister Evon Breeding Taylor; and sister Elyn Breeding Patterson, husband Ken; and seventeen nieces and nephews.
Bruce earned a B.B.A. and M.S. in Accounting from Rice University, where he was involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. At the University of Houston, Bruce earned an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems. He then served as a professor at Murray State University before returning to Texas and beginning a private CPA practice. Like his father before him, Bruce served others for many years through his volunteer leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America, as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and active in the North Texas Presbytery, and on the Board of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Bruce saw every interaction with people as an opportunity to share the light of Christ through his quiet, steady kindness to others.
In his later years, Bruce also served the Lord through his professional roles working on behalf of his church denomination at The PCA Foundation, as well as working to support those who are among the most vulnerable in our society – the poor and underprivileged, the abused, and children – in his role as Chief Financial Officer for Desire Street Ministries, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Child, Inc..
Bruce took great delight in serving God. He relished the gift and power of prayer, and was quick to share it with others. Bruce will be remembered for his loyal friendships, his love of Tex-Mex and malted milkshakes, his devotion to his family, and his joy in singing – especially hymns. (Bruce and Susan met in their church choir, after all.)
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 15, at All Saints Presbyterian Church (Austin), followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to All Saints (Bruce’s home church); or to Lincoln Square Presbyterian Church, Chicago, where Bruce’s son-in-law Erik serves as Assistant Pastor; or to Centre for Neuro Skills Clinical Research & Education Foundation, where Bruce underwent intensive brain injury rehabilitation at CNS this fall. See above for gifting details.
Bruce’s family is thankful for the many medical staff who helped Bruce in his journey this year. A special thanks to all of those skilled and persistent staff at Ascension Seton Hays (Kyle), Texas NeuroRehab Center (Austin), the Centre for Neuro Skills (Irving), and St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.