Bruce E. Masters

Bruce E. Masters, 77, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Vernon and Betty Masters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger sister, Pam Buhr. A native of Jacksonville, Bruce attended Paxon High School, graduating in 1966. He continued his education at Massey Technical College and Florida State College at Jacksonville before earning a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Florida. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army as a member of the 3rd Armored Division (Spearhead). Following his honorable discharge in 1976, he dedicated 28 years of service to the Jacksonville Electric Authority, retiring as Training Coordinator. While at JEA, he was affectionately known as the "Answer Man," as he never failed to provide a wealth of information and could easily score high in trivia and Jeopardy! competitions. He was also a member of Mensa and had a lifelong passion for learning, always eager to study new subjects and expand his knowledge. A lifelong Florida Gators fan, Bruce was actively involved with the Jacksonville Gator Club for many years, where he was affectionately known as "Bruce the Gator." He received the Good Gator and Best Dressed awards in recognition of his enthusiasm and spirit. A devoted season ticket holder, he never missed a football game for 14 years-home or away-traveling as far as California and New York to cheer on his Gators. After retiring from the JEA, Bruce moved with his family to Bristol, Tennessee, where he was an active parishioner at St. Anne Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus (Bristol, Virginia). In 2012, he returned to Jacksonville with his family, where he was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. Over the years, Bruce especially enjoyed time with his family, along with working with computers, watching movies, photography, exploring local parks, and gardening. He was a past member of the Jacksonville Rose Society and a current member of the North Florida Daylily Society, where he won Best of Show in 1990 for his "Mojave Maroon" daylily. Bruce was proud of his Minorcan heritage, a fourteenth-generation direct descendant of Don Vicente Solana of Minorca (Menorca) and Maria Viscente of St. Augustine (married 1594). He cherished these roots, growing datil peppers and preparing Minorcan clam chowder to keep family traditions alive. Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his beloved daughters, Laura Flynn (Mike) and Maria Masters; and his treasured granddaughters, Ella and Amelia Flynn, who brought him immense joy and whom he adored as their Granddaddy. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn King (Michael); his brother, Lamar Masters (Debby); numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, a special aunt, Melody Bullock, and his loyal granddog, Wesley, who brought him great comfort in his later years. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center, VA Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, and Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside for their compassionate care. A special thank you to his devoted home health aide and friend, Olivia Linares, for her kindness, dedication, and support. Bruce was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Bruce E. Masters

October 28, 1948 - April 16, 2026