Bruce Wayne Martz, Sr. age 82 of Hillsville, Virginia, passed away at home, in his sleep, on October 11, 2026. He lived in Hillsville with family, Angelis “AJ: Ganogianis, his “Best Buddy” and the “Apple of his Eye!”, Lynn Fusillo and Shane Wood.

Bruce “Papa” was born on September 4, 1944 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He played varsity football and served in the U.S. Army. He made his career as a Civil Engineer and Engineering Technician. Bruce was a long-time resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Dunedin, Florida, where he retired. He later moved to Virginia to be in the mountains and close to family in 2021. He lived a good, happy life.

He loved life, living it to the fullest. Bruce was so about family, holidays, traditions, and togetherness. He was the most loving, giving man. His presence, laughter, and positive energy could fill any room! He loved the outdoors, good music, love stories and love songs – especially the ones that were meaningful to him and the love of his life, Arlene Martz, who passed in 2014. Theirs was a beautiful, epic love story in itself!! They’re together again, “Dancing and Laughing together in the stars!”. So loved and forever missed.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Tim Prindle of Michigan; six children, Bruce Martz, Jr., Dawna Jones, Sandra Blackwood, Lori Kemp, Scott Bable, and Lynn Fusillo; ten grandchildren, Cameron, Connor, Christian, Delaney and Christa, Kelira, Kevin, Heather, Ariana, and Angelis “AJ”; six great-grandchildren, Kali, Alora, Phoenix, Theo, Amos, and Jubilee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd A. Martz, Sr. and Minta (Rose) Bradley Martz; brothers, James, Rudy, and Floyd Martz, Jr.; and the love of his life, his wife, Arlene A. Martz.

There will be no services at the time. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.