Bruce Malcolm Barnes age 94 of Cocoa, FL, peacefully passed away on July 18, 2026, at Holmes Medical Center, Melbourne FL, after a brief illness.

Bruce was born on October 23, 1931 in Miami, FL to Benjamin and Louise Barnes. He graduated from Miami Edison High School in 1949. Bruce enlisted in the Army and was a telecommunications specialist. After the Army, he moved to Cocoa, FL and began working for Southern Bell as a telephone lineman. He worked for Southern Bell, later BellSouth for over 35 years retiring as an Installation Maintenance Supervisor.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce was defined by his deep love for his family and his passion for fishing, classic cars and Football. Bruce was a big Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was a man of quiet strength, endless patience, a generous heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin Barnes and Louise Barnes, brother Burton Barnes, sister Bettye Deuyour. He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his sisters Bobbie Romeo and Beverly Futch; beloved companion and high school sweetheart Rosalie Pollard; his children, Michael Barnes of Knoxville, TN; Tiffany Blickhan(David) of La Grange, MO; his grandchildren, Bruce Michael Barnes, Toby Moss, Sean Blickhan; great grandchildren Jalen, Jasiah and Jael Barnes; Kayce Moss; and great-great grandchild Saiel Henry; and Bruce’s favorite grand-dog Lucy.

There will be no services. Military honors will be held at a later date. Island Cremations & Funeral Home, Merritt Island is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Bruce would want memorials sent to American Legion Otto Bruner Post 170, PO Box 23, Canton, MO 63435.