Bruce Robert Hartley (60) of Springfield, Missouri, WON his battle with ALS as he passed away Friday, February 16th, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family.

A native of Springfield, Bruce was born on July 31, 1963 to Glen “Bob” Hartley and Phyllis Hartley (Pruitt). He graduated from Central High School with honors, as Senior Class President (1981). Bruce, then, attended Missouri State University (MSU, SMSU at the time) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business & Industrial Communication in 1986. Throughout his tenure at MSU, Bruce was a member of the Missouri State Cheerleading Team. Following graduation, Bruce started his career at CoxHealth as the Director of Volunteer Service then became their Senior Marketing Representative. After 17 years of service, Bruce shifted his career to become a sales broker and territory manager for General Mills. He achieved record sales for Pillsbury Biscuits acquiring him the nickname “Biscuit Bruce”. Although he wore this moniker with pride, his favorite title was yet to come. After following a desire to continue his education at his alma mater, Bruce obtained a Master of Arts in Communication in 2011. With this, his passion for teaching was sparked as he became Professor Hartley.

Upon beginning this phase of his career as a Speech Communications Instructor at Southwest Tennesse Community College, Bruce quickly discovered he had chosen the path he was truly meant for. In 2013, he accepted his first full-time faculty position with East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma where he taught Mass Communication for four years before transitioning to Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, as their Assistant Professor of Communications. While here, he proudly founded Studio III, a completely student-run public relations and marketing firm, and wrote as a life columnist for The Gayly Newspaper.

Beyond achieving a meaningful and successful career, Bruce set a beautiful example of celebrating the many joys life has to offer, including marrying his soulmate, Bill Grider, on January 1, 2020, after meeting in 2013. He loved watching the Olympics and even got to run with the Olympic torch in 2002! Anytime the Chiefs were playing, you could find him cheering on his guy, Travis Kelce. Bruce loved to travel and go on cruises. In the last year, he was able to visit his sister in Puerto Rico, explore New York City, and take a cruise to the Caribbean. He was a food lover who highly endorsed pizza or Chinese for dinner, meat and cheese for breakfast, and popcorn could replace any meal! He loved deeply and supported his students, kids, and grandkids in their many passions; whether it be band competitions, concerts, art shows, or sporting events, he was always ready to cheer on his loved ones. Bruce was full of life and shined a bright light onto every person he came into contact with. He will be greatly missed, but his fun-loving nature, positivity, and love will be carried on in the hearts and memories of his students, family, and friends.

Bruce is preceded in death by his father, Glen “Bob” Hartley, former wife, Tammi Hartley, and Grandparents, Elbert and Lillie Pruitt and Glen and Saless Hartley.

Survivors include Bruce’s husband, Bill Grider; Children, Bryce Hartley, wife Jaelyn Hartley, Brooke Rowe, husband Andrew Rowe, Caitlyn Grider, Logan Grider, and Lindsey Bliss, husband Joey Bliss; Grandchildren, Barrett and Lane Rowe, Gunner and Fisher Carr, and Wylder, Bryson, and Colten Bills; Mother, Phyllis Hartley; Sister, Judy Best, husband Roger Best, Brother, John Hartley, wife Julie Hartley and a slew of other friends, cousins, aunts, nieces, and nephews he loved dearly.

The visitation and funeral service will take place at Greenlawn Funeral Home North- 3506 North National Ave, Springfield, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22nd, 2024; the service will be held Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at 1:00 pm, with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO.

If you would like to help Bruce’s family with medical and funeral expenses feel free to donate here:
Bruce Hartley Donations