Bruce L. Bronson

Bruce Leo Bronson, of Lexington, North Carolina, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 16, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born on March 17, 1951, in Norfolk, Virginia, Bruce was the son of William Leo Bronson and Lela Mae Bronson. As the son of a career United States Marine, Bruce spent much of his childhood moving from place to place before eventually settling in eastern North Carolina. He graduated from Dixon High School in Holly Ridge in 1969, where he participated in track, basketball, and football.

Following graduation, Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard for four years and continued with an additional two years in the Coast Guard Reserves while training as a dental technician.

Bruce dedicated much of his professional life to dentistry and craftsmanship. He founded Piedmont Dental Arts, a dental laboratory that he owned and operated for more than 35 years. Even after stepping back from ownership in 2021, he continued doing what he loved at Solutions Dental Laboratory, where he remained active and engaged in the profession he had spent a lifetime mastering.

While Bruce was proud of his work, his greatest joy was always found in the people around him.

Bruce never met a stranger. If someone wasn’t his friend, it was usually only because they hadn’t met him yet. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and accepted. Whether through a conversation, a laugh, a helping hand, or simply his presence, Bruce had a way of making others feel important. Those who knew him best describe him as kind, caring, fun-loving, generous, accepting, and deeply devoted to the people he loved.

A man of strong Christian faith, Bruce lived a life centered on family, friendship, and community. He loved spending time with those closest to him and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Bruce was an avid golfer, was a lifelong sports fan, and a devoted supporter of Duke Basketball. He was a lover of all things music and rock and roll, spending countless hours playing his guitars and sharing his passion for music with others. Over the years, he performed in several bands including Mod and the Moderators, The Blue Horizons, The Chicken Stew Band / The Mason Knoll Band. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and spending days on the lake in his boat, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

More than any hobby or accomplishment, Bruce treasured his role as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He deeply loved his wife, Gwen, and was unwavering in his love and support for his family. He found tremendous joy in attending his grandchildren’s games, activities, performances, and interests, and few things made him happier than cheering them on and celebrating their successes.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen; his children, Kyle Bronson and Jenna Bronson Welch (Cory Welch); his grandchildren, Devon Bronson, Keegan Bronson, Logan Welch, and Austin Welch; his sisters, Yvonne Lynn and Joy Bronson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Leo Bronson and Lela Mae Bronson; his sons, Benjamin Bronson and Matthew Bronson; and his brothers, Dennis Bronson and Bryan Bronson.

To his grandchildren, Bruce was known simply as “Papa” and “Pop”, and these are titles he wore proudly and roles he cherished deeply.

Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, his family takes comfort in the countless memories he created, the lives he touched, and the example he set through a life filled with faith, kindness, generosity, laughter, and love. His unwavering support through life’s ups and downs will be missed beyond words.

The world was a better place because Bruce was in it, and anyone fortunate enough to know him was better for having known him.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Bruce at Pinedale Christian Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Monday, June 29, 2026. The family will receive visitors beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 5:15 p.m., with a Memorial Service celebrating Bruce’s life to follow at 5:30 p.m. The family will also receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support the first responders of Davidson County, including local fire departments, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and other emergency response organizations.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.