Prouty, Robert Bruce

R. Bruce Prouty, 86, of Blacksburg, Va., stepped into everlasting life on March 5, 2010. He has been reunited with his loving wife, Laura Kathryn Schaeffer Prouty (Kit); his parents, Ralph and Irene Prouty; his brother, Ralph Prouty. Bruce retired from Virginia Tech in 1984 after 31 years of service as an accounting professor and as an extension specialist for the College of Business. Established in 1996, the R. Bruce Prouty Scholarship, endowed by his former colleagues and students, is presented each year to a deserving Tech freshman accounting major. This recognition gave Bruce a great deal of pride and satisfaction. After retiring from professional life, Bruce became an accomplished and award winning woodturner. He also loved to travel and did so extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Bruce was a member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church and he and Kit were very active with the Wesley Foundation, developing long-lasting friendships. He was also a member of the Blacksburg Rotary Club, enjoying the fellowship and mission of this organization, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. Bruce will be remembered for his zest for life, his commitment to faith and family and for always searching for that next “great adventure”. He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Jay Johnson, of Blacksburg, and Tacy and Steve Coleman, of Roanoke; granddaughters, Erin Johnson, of Blacksburg, and Laura “Katie” Johnson, of Philadelphia; sister-in-law, Helen Prouty, of Cleveland, Ohio; nieces, Kathy Prouty Polster and Marsha Prouty McCroden, of Cleveland, Ohio; and a cousin by marriage, Jane Hurd, of Blacksburg. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at Blacksburg United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Professor R. Bruce Prouty Scholarship Fund, Office of University Development (0336), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. 24061 or the Blacksburg Rotary Club, P.O. Box 770, Blacksburg, Va. 24060. Bruce’s family expresses its sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Kroontje Health Care Center and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and devotion. “Well done good and faithful servant.” Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.