Bruce Springthorpe

Bruce Springthorpe (69) of Mount Airy, NC passed away on Tuesday, May 19th after a battle with cancer. Bruce was born on March 22, 1957, to the late Johnny and Roberta Glenn Ashburn Springthorpe. He grew up predominantly in the Smith Woods neighborhood of Mount Airy, where he formed friendships and memories that he cherished his entire life. He graduated from North Surry High School in 1975. Bruce’s favorite accomplishments in his youth were serving as a Congressional Page in the summer of 1973 for Congressman Ben Mizell and serving as an acolyte for Trinity Episcopal Church. At the age of 21, Bruce married the love of his life, Tammy Bruner, and they remained married for 47 years until his passing. One of his last lucid conversations included how, when he saw her for the first time at the Autumn Leaves Festival, he thought she was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. He and Tammy had two children: Brooke (Michael Boyce) and Glenn (Ashtin); three grandchildren: Bodie Boyce, Eben Boyce, and Carter Johnson; and two step-grandchildren: Brandon Honeycutt and Dalyion Matthews. Bruce is probably best known as the founder of Southdata, Inc, where he served as President and CEO from its founding in 1985 until 2000. Bruce was passionate about many things, including his politics and flying hobbies. He loved to talk about the Constitution and have healthy political debates to learn about others and their viewpoints. He had his private pilot’s license and enjoyed, for many years, flying with his family on long-distance trips to destinations like Missoula, MT and Key West, FL. Bruce loved history: family vacations were spent visiting historical sites, forts, and museums and dinner table discussions were often lessons about America’s foundational history. In his later years, Bruce spent many happy hours working in home renovations alongside his son, Glenn. He once said he was lucky to have his son as his best friend and confidant. He loved classic rock, working with his hands, and spending time with his grandchildren. Bruce is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, along with his two brothers: John Springthorpe III and Dwight Springthorpe, and a sister: Celeste Tsaklis. Visitation will be at Moody’s Funeral Home in Mount Airy on Friday, May 22 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and the funeral will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 pm with The Rev. Sarah Morris officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mountain Valley Hospice P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017 or Trinity Episcopal Church 472 N. Main St., Mount Airy, NC 27030. Funeral arrangements are entrusted with Moody Funeral Service of Mount Airy, NC.