Bruce Harold Centner

Bruce Harold Centner, age 75, was ushered unto heaven when he passed away at his home in Danville, Virginia on April 23rd, 2024. Bruce, born on December 17th, 1948 in Buffalo New York, is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Centner, and sibling to Jack, Donna, and Keith. Bruce was preceded to heaven by his mother, father and brother Jack.
Bruce graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1967, and then entered the United States Navy in 1968. After a four year tour of duty, Bruce began a long and illustrious career as a law enforcement officer. He served as a police officer for the Washington, D.C. Police Department for over 20 years. Bruce further dedicated his life as a civil servant where he served as a police officer with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and was on duty in the Pentagon on 911. Without thought of self- sacrifice, Bruce responded to aid in the saving of multiple victim’s. For his acts of heroism, Bruce was awarded the highest award that could be bestowed on a civilian – The Medal of Valor.  Bruce medically retired from the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and relocated to the Danville, Virginia area.
Bruce’s first love was his family. Bruce was a deeply beloved husband, father, grand-father, great-grand- father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. He is most noted for his loving spirit, kind heartedness, friend to all, and for engaging in lengthy conversations. One thing for sure is that when Bruce made a commitment, he was all-in. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them – and if you knew him, you knew it. He has been a rock to many. If you needed him, you knew he would be by your side. In short, Bruce was a man amongst men. He will be missed dearly.
Bruce also enjoyed wood-working and in general just fixing things. He enjoyed teaching others and spent time making things for others.
Bruce is survived by his wife Shirley Spalding, children Bruce and Norma Centner, Gary and Karen Centner, Michael Centner and Angie Grapes, Matthew and Cheryl Centner, Donald Centner and Heather Hedmondson, step-children Bonnie Gillespie, Lisa and Glenn Maxey, Buddy Spalding, 15 grand-children, 19 great-grand-children, and one great-grand-child waiting to join us in this world.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on April 30th at the Swicegood-Barker Funeral Home (564 West Main St., Danville, VA 24541); viewing will be available beginning at 10:00 am.

Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Centner family. 

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