Tribute

Born March 13, 1954. Bruce lost his battle with numerous health issues on Wednesday. August 2, 2023, at his home. His wishes were to have his body donated to science with his remains to be later interred with his parents, Barton and Gwen Smith of Tulare. He learned at an early age what it meant to work hard on the family farm, along with his younger siblings, Greg, Gary, and Dale. He carried that work ethic throughout his life. He graduated from Tulare Western High School in 1972 and attended College of the Sequoias. He played football, water polo and was an outstanding swimmer. Bruce was first married to Susan Vincent in 1974 of Tulare, but their marriage ended a few years later. He began a long history of working in the insurance business first with Spuhler and Sturgeon Insurance, then Hooper Spuhler and Sturgeon Insurance. He returned to farming for a brief time and then began a new venture with Amaral Dairy Service. An opportunity arose to return to Insurance, and he joined NSE Insurance of Tulare and Exeter. In 1976 he met Laurie Davis and they married in 1977. He and his family greeted her two children, Marc and Carrie, and accepted them as their own. The term "stepchildren" was never used. A few years later they had a son, Jared Brooks Smith. Their home was always filled with the love and laughter of their many friends and family. Memories were made during those years of sports, Cub Scouts, Cheerleading, and many weekends spent at the Smith Cabin and family vacations. But time goes on and things change, at twenty years their marriage ended. In January 2000, Bruce married Regina Cardoza. She had two children, Justin and Kimberly, whom he embraced as his own as well. Countless cherished memories were created during their 20-year marriage and valuable life lessons were imparted, like the timeless tradition of kissing caught fish. Though Bruce and Regina later went their separate ways, the enduring impact of memories and lessons still live on. All who knew him knew he had a crazy sense of humor and was known by many names: Bruce, Dad, Wood, Woody, Woodrow P Coltrain, Grampa, Papo, Grandpa Boris, and Papa Bruce. He was always the center of attention with his jokes and antics. He will always be remembered as that "Crazy Wood Man" and how he could always make you laugh with the dumb jokes he rattled off. He was generous to a fault and donated his time and countless Deep Pit BBQs to anyone who wanted to join. He touched and affected many people's lives along the way and was the King of "one-liners". Lastly, he wanted to be remembered as a Christian Man.

Friends & Family

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Gwen and Barton Smith, Grandparents, Agnes and Harold Telford, and Brooks and Mabel Gist. He is survived by his 5 Children, 11 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. Son R. Marc Davis (Wife Vina ) Granddaughter Amanda Henson Gramlich (Husband Jeff) Great Grandsons Daniel and Bryce; Granddaughter Emily Davis Markos (husband Michael) and Great Granddaughter Mia; Granddaughter Molly Davis; Daughter Carrie Davis Cartwright (Husband Brett) Grandson Gabriel and Granddaughter Kayla; Son Jared Smith (Wife Kwynn) Grandson Jahlin and Granddaughter Raya; Son Justin Cardoza (Wife Ashley) Granddaughter Rylee and Grandson Reid; Daughter, Kimberly Cardoza Johns (Husband Michael) Granddaughters Claire and Kate. Also surviving him are his 3 brothers, nieces and nephews, Brother Greg Smith (Wife Connie) Nephew Zachary and Niece Nicole Smith Kinne (Husband Sean); Brother Gary Smith, Nephew Kern Smith (Wife Olga ) Great Niece Olivia and Niece Alexandria Smith Schelfi (Husband Giovannu) Great Nephew Liam; Brother, Dale Smith of Wyoming and Maui.