Carl J. Bruce passed away on August 29, 2017 after a valiant battle with cancer wherein he received his final healing.
Carl J. Bruce was born June 29, 1938 in St. Louis to Carl and Ella (Zimmerman) Bruce; both preceded him in death, along with siblings Richard Bruce, of Killeen, Texas and Yvette Collins.
Carl attended Simmons and Marshall elementary schools and Hadley Technical High School in the St. Louis Public Schools system. As a youth, Carl attended Antioch Baptist Church and later joined West Side Missionary Baptist Church.
Carl married Linda Sharp and to this union Sheree was born. Later, on May 26, 1989, Carl and Rose Carnes were united in holy matrimony and to this union Carl Bruce III was born.
Carl worked several jobs early in life, supporting his family by working for General Motors and as a union painter. But Carl found his real passion was found in photography. He took classes at Forest Park Community College and perfected his photography skills through hard work and his unique ability to connect with people.
For over 35 years, Carl used his gift of photography to foster social action and civil justice as the object of entrepreneurial spirit and as a call for unity. Carl used his camera to document lives across a wide spectrum.
Carl’s work has been recognized by several entities. He has won awards and been recognized by the Greater St Louis Association of Black Journalists, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. – The Young Black Achievers Award; The Northwest County Jaycees – Jaycee of the Year; The 100 Black Men – Member of The Year Award; The Missouri Lottery – Business of the Year; The International Photographers Association; and by the Paula J. Carter Foundation.
Carl’s ability to tell a story through his photo lens and his ability to connect with people led to him being chosen to record many significant events. He developed an extensive client list, which included the committee for the St. Louis Martin Luther King Jr. March, 100 Black Men of Greater St. Louis, the Million Man March, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, the Human Development Corporation, the Greater Ville Neighborhood Association, the Urban League’s Annual Conference, the NAACP National Convention, and several other philanthropic events such as Joe Torry’s Give Back the Love charity event.
Carl’s national client list included Coors, King Cobra, Anheuser Busch, Grey Eagle Distributing and Lohr’s Distributing, to name a few.
Carl’s photos have been published in The St. Louis American, but also The Metro Sentinel, The Argus, East St. Louis Monitor, The Magnolia Revue and Ladue News. Readers could also find Carl’s pictures in Jet Magazine, Michelle Magazine, ‘A’ Magazine and Proud Inspiration Magazine.
Carl’s chosen field afforded him the opportunity to photograph many local and national celebrities. He accumulated a vast array of pictures of entertainers, politicians, sports figures and other notables
Carl J. Bruce was a quiet and humble man. Through a kind, determined and warm spirit, Carl blessed others as he interacted with them through the lens of his life. So many people referred to him as “Carl, the Photographer” that it became associated with his personal identity.
In 2016, Carl and his associates, James Cotter and George Cotton, were recognized by the Missouri History Museum for their contributions to the Saint Louis community for their creation and publication of Michelle Magazine and ‘A’ Magazine. They were featured in a program and with an exhibit at the museum.
Carl enjoyed spending time with his wife and children, often involving them in his many service projects. Carl contributed abundantly to his community and enriched the lives of many others. He was a member of the 100 Black Men, the Urban League and a Life member of the NAACP.
He served the Lord through his interactions with others and appreciated his church family at the West Side Missionary Baptist Church.
Carl leaves to treasure his memories: his wife, Dr. Rose Carnes-Bruce; his daughter Sheree Bruce-Conyers (Larry) of Houston, Texas; his son Carl Bruce III (Tia); siblings Ann (Bruce) Benn of Kokomo, Indiana; Yvonne Collins; Michael Collins; Carl-Bo Collins; and a host of many relatives and many friends.
Carl will be dearly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Services for Carl J. Bruce will be held Saturday, September 9 at West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 4675 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113 (phone: 314-535-9002). A family visitation will be held 4:30-5:30 p.m., followed by a Remembrance Service at 6 p.m.
