Bruce Pierce Wood

Bruce Pierce Wood, 63, passed away after a brief illness on December 16, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. Bruce was born in Key West, February 4, 1960, and was a proud fifth generation “Conch.” While growing up in Key West, Bruce was an avid fisherman who also mastered the art of “hand-line fishing” as he targeted his favorite species – grouper. As a young boy, Bruce navigated the island on his bicycle, often hanging out with the local fisherman at the docks, where he had many colorful stories from those special times that he amusingly shared with family and friends. In addition to being a gifted angler, Bruce also excelled in sports. He graduated from Key West High School in 1978, where he was a star football player for his beloved “Conchs.” Bruce’s remarkable skills as a linebacker caught the attention of college football recruiters, and he received an athletic scholarship to play football at Bluefield State University in West Virginia. After his freshman year at Bluefield State, Bruce decided to continue his education in Tallahassee at Florida State University, where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Bruce was an instant hit with his fraternity brothers in Tallahassee, and soon after his return to Florida, met his future wife and the love of his life, Monique Simpson Wood. Bruce and Monique married in 1987 and remained in Tallahassee where they raised their two children, Morgan Ann Wood and Mason Pierce Wood. Bruce introduced Monique and his children to his other island home – Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas – where they spent their honeymoon and made many fond memories as a family vacationing there through the years. One of Bruce’s other loves was preparing delicious meals for family and friends. His interest in cooking and entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a food truck venue on Thursdays. At these special events, Bruce proudly featured his famous “Cuzzy Sauce” which was a secret family recipe that he marketed and sold in seafood markets and grocery stores throughout Florida. Family and friends were treated to delicious fare and “Cuzzy Sauce” at the FSU tailgate parties Bruce was famous for hosting and on Sundays at his home while watching his favorite NFL team from childhood, the Green Bay Packers. Bruce is survived by his wife of 36 years, Monique Simpson Wood, two children, Morgan Ann Wood and Mason Wood, and his brother, Norman Wood, Jr. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman Wood, Sr. and Shirley Papy Wood, and sister, Deborah Wood. Bruce’s big heart and legacy will live on with the many family members and friends whose lives he touched through the years. A memorial service celebrating Bruce’s life will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at East Hill Baptist Church, 912 Miccosukee Road in Tallahassee. A reception will immediately follow at the family residence. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Wood family with their arrangements.

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Bruce Pierce Wood

February 4, 1960 - December 16, 2023