WILLIAM BRUCE CAPERS SR.
On June 14, 2022, at the age of 88, William Bruce Capers Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Baylor Scott and White-Hillcrest in Waco. Bruce was born Feb. 22, 1934, to I.L. and Grace Capers at the Simmons’ Place in Cotton Gin. He moved down the road to “The Capers’ Farm” in 1945 on Highway 84 until graduation from Teague High School in 1952. He returned to the farm in 1974 and remained there until his death.
During his years away from the farm, he attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he participated in ROTC, University of Texas at Austin and then University of Houston in efforts to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. He fell short by two semesters fulfilling this endeavor.
However, he used his math, mechanical and farm skills in his jobs. He worked as a stationary engineer for Dixie Chemical and Houston Intercontinental Airport and concluded his career as lead HVAC maintenance at Mexia ISD. He retired from the school district in February 1995. He often had a side business as a handyman and HVAC repairman. He was very creative and industrious and loved when he could make things functional and work easily.
During the years from 1980 to 1988, he ran cattle as well as the peach orchard that his father I.L. Capers had started. Bruce and all the brothers worked in the peach orchard and farmed while growing up. The Capers’ Peach Orchard was one of the first in the Freestone/Limestone area in the 1930’s to 1940’s. In addition to growing peaches, they had pecan, nectarine and plum trees as well as routine garden items.
Bruce was a member of the Masons-Springfield Lodge. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mexia where he served as Deacon. In the most recent years, he was a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Mexia. In his years of retirement, he would travel with the Texas Baptist Men and Builders. He went to Colorado (several times), New York and all over Texas helping build or rebuild structures. He also helped with construction with the CLC building at the FBC Wortham.
Speaking of traveling, that was something he loved to do whenever he had the chance. He was able to go to Central Park in New York City, with his daughter and son in-law. That was one place that he had always wanted to see and visit. Most recently, he took “tractor road trips” with his son to Idaho and Indiana. Bruce enjoyed antique tractors and vintage cars; and loved seeing his son show his antique tractors and would often join him for tractor shows.
In 2019, he spent the whole day with his grandson at the UT football game from noon to midnight at the age of 85, one of his best days, he said. He enjoyed being with his family, watching grandchildren’s activities, sports, graduations etc.
Bruce enjoyed his friends at the Senior Citizen Center in Mexia. He joined them almost every day for lunch and socializing for the past 10 to 15 years. This was the one place that everyone could find him from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – even the dentist office!
If you knew Bruce, you know that he had a very kind, sweet and caring demeanor. He just did not have a temper and had “the patience of Job.” He had the prettiest blue eyes and the sweetest smile, which we will all miss.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother Edwin; second wife Betty Jo Capers; Aunt Ester and Uncle Milton Darwood.
Survivors include Nannetta Capers, first wife/ mother of children, of Wortham; Son Bill and wife Jennifer of Wortham; Daughter Jannetta Francone and husband Joe of Georgetown; grandchildren, Manton Capers and fiancé Katie McNutt of The Colony, Logan Capers and girlfriend Darci Fulcher of Grapevine, Nick Clark and girlfriend Amanda Hogan of Shirley, NY, Kristen Francone and boyfriend Nick Franzone of Richardson, Lauren Francone and boyfriend Elijah Quebrada of Maspeth, NY; brothers, Charles and wife Beverly of Massachusetts, Stanley and wife Sue of Fort Worth, Roy and wife Marilyn of Richardson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Jones Funeral Services Chapel with the Rev. Justin Colquette and the Rev. Michael Vestal officiating. Interment followed at Cotton Gin Cemetery (between Teague and Mexia). Visitation with the family was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday June 16, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Manton Capers, Logan Capers, Nick Franzone, Daniel Lima, David Hayes and Kent Kendall.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Capers’ name may be made to the American Lung Association, at www.lung.org, or to the Texas Baptist Men at www.tbmtx.org.
Please visit www.jonesfuneralservicestx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family.
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