Bruce Teague Jr.

TEAGUE, BOYD

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 4/11/2016 at 12:30:01

Bruce Teague Jr. (The Bossman) was born March 29, 1931. He was the 7th child out of 8 born to Bruce and Essie (Boyd) Teague. Bruce loved each of his siblings: Eva, Robert, Cass, Carrie, Joe, David, and Alice. Bruce began his elementary education in Mansfield, TN and proceeded to attend Central High School in Paris, TN.

Due to the limited opportunities available in Tennessee, Bruce decided to explore the bright lights, big city life in Chicago, IL. While residing with his big sister Alice, Bruce began to work various jobs until he landed a career at National Casting Company. Being a man of faith, he was led by God to pursue what became two of his own successful entrepreneurial endeavors in towing and in real estate investing. After 40 years of being a hardworking, dedicated, and exemplary employee, he retired from NCC in 1992.
He worked for Lutheran Family Mission as a driver and later invested in the growth of his son Bruce, III’s company by lending his support in various capacities. He is the reason why his children have such a strong work ethic. His level of commitment and loyalty did not stop there…Bruce was never unemployed. He believed in the value of hard work and providing for his family.
Bruce became the Epitome of a “Man’s Man” after his transition to Chicago. As a dutiful son, he continued to support his parents through monetary gifts which he often sent back to TN. After the passing of her husband, Bruce took care of his sister Alice as well.
In 1958, he met Mary Helen Hargrove and they were married the following year on December 18, 1959. To this union 6 children were born: Regina, Donna, Tasha, Juan, Bruce, and James. There was nothing he enjoyed more than celebrating the accomplishments of his family and friends through weddings, anniversaries, graduations, baptisms, recitals, and many other special occasions. A major accomplishment of his own was celebrating 56 years of holy matrimony to his beloved “May Helen”.
All should remember taking trips to Paris, TN to celebrate the annual “World’s Largest Fish Fry”. He was so excited to share the history of his family and proud to bridge the relationship between his children and his sibling’s children. Uncle Bruce is one of the primary reasons why the cousins have such great relationships today. Uncle Bruce, Daddy Bruce, Mr. Teague, Bossman, Pops, Uncle BJ, Bruce Junior, and Uncle Daddy… has truly been a father figure to many.
Bruce was a man of strong core values. His foundation and beliefs were deeply rooted in the Love of Family and Faith in God. As a child, he attended (CHURCH IN MANSFIELD, TN). In 1957, he joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church under the leadership of his father-in-law the late Rev. J.F. Hargrove. He remained faithful as Chairman of the Deacon Board at Mt. Carmel Holiness Church under the leadership of Pastor Donald Coleman. Even in church, he did what he knew best - he worked. He was a true servant at heart. On any given day, you could find him opening the doors of the church, attending early morning prayer services, and greeting all members and/or visitors who walked through the doors. During construction of the current edifice, you could often find Deacon Teague and Brother Woodard overseeing the day-to-day operations. He was truly instrumental in the building process.
Bruce believed in attending church faithfully no matter where he was. Whenever in Iowa City, he attended House of Praise Church under the leadership of Pastor Rick McCaslin. He poured his time, energy, and experience into the next generation of upcoming Deacons. Bruce implemented the “Deacon Apprenticeship Program” at House of Praise Church to train and develop young men how to carry out the duties of a deacon.
Pastor Coleman and Pastor Rick were not only his Spiritual Leaders but became two of his very best friends.
Deacon Teague would always say, “I am NOT the preacher”, but his life was a sermon in itself. He was trustworthy, loving, caring, and wise. He would never argue in front of his children. He was the “Godfather” of the 4800 block of West Washington Blvd. He enjoyed working as a mechanic fixing everyone’s cars in the alley. Some of his greatest pastimes were having breakfast with his friends in Chicago and Iowa City, watching and attending baseball games while eating popcorn, gardening, and traveling with his family. “Switchblade Bruce”, the “Bossman”, shot straight from the hip. One could never mistake what he meant, he told you just what he felt. BUT Deacon Teague CRIED ABOUT EVERYTHING!!! He even cried when he was forced by Mary Helen to discipline the children. He often reminded his children, “If you do wrong, I will only come to get you from jail one time”.
Bruce was preceded in death by his Parents, Siblings - Eva, Robert, Cass, Carrie, Joe, and David; Grandson - Kelvyn; Daughter – Kim; Goddaughter - Quanda.
Bruce Junior the one who always served was called to rest by his heavenly father on Thursday April 7, 2016.
His legacy will continue to live on through:
His loving and devoted wife of 56 years Mary Helen; Children: Regina, Donna, Ricky, Tasha, Juan, Darron, Bruce, James, Jeremiah, and Danielle; Grandchildren: William, London, Eddie, Ricky, Gregory, Candice, Darian, Varick, Kiandra, Mikaela, Albert Jr.; 18 Great-grandchildren; Grand-dogs: Frankie, Teddy, Tank, Cannon, and Maggie; Siblings: Alice Glasgow; Sister In Laws: Mamie, Marion, Roberta, Irene, Maxine (Pastor Charles), Lillian (Bishop Rudolph), Gloria and Gwen; Special Nieces: Lacuqulia and Wytedgurie; Special Nephews: Robert and Marro; Special Cousins: Bobby Tharpe and Henry Heglar; Godchildren: Alice, Betty Jo, Rochelle, Lasonya, Preston, Alexis, Calvin, Brittany, Byron, Mike and Vicky, Darin and the boys; Special Friends: Joe Howard, Willie Riley, Pastor Lorenzo Bonds, Forest, Earvin, Allen; and a Host of Family and Friends.

Those who truly knew Bruce Teague Jr. knows he was NOT Pompous nor Prideful, but PROUD of his life and all of those in it.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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