Sgt. (retired) William Bruce Cann, 82, of Anderson, SC, peacefully passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at his home.

Born January 4, 1942, in Anderson, SC, he was the son of the late Clarence B. Cann and the late Maybelle Brock Cann. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dupree Cann, and his sister Lottie Cann Patterson.

Bruce spent four years in the United States Navy before beginning his career in law enforcement as a SC State Trooper in Greenville and Travelers Rest. He retired from the SC Criminal Justice Academy where he started the Basic Self-Defense Training program in 1973. He served as an instructor training officers how to defend themselves in the line of duty. He was honored for sharing his street knowledge with his fellow officers which contributed to their survival in their day-to-day duties. He remained a member of the SC Troopers Association Troop No. 9.

Bruce loved gardening, football, baseball, and fishing. As long as his health permitted, he attended almost every Clemson home baseball game. But fishing by far gave him his greatest enjoyment. He was also a life member of Walden Lodge No. 247 of Free Masons, a Hejaz Shriner, and a member of Fants Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed the simple things in life never requiring much. He did love his family and enjoyed times spent with his loved one. Especially, his Uncle Howard who gifted him the love of hunting, fishing, and the beauty of nature. Bruce had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, but was remarkably close to the three he and Mary so lovingly cared for: John, Jennifer, and Crystal Shults.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Shults Cann; a brother, Gary Cann; and a sister, Lillian Bracey.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 3:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Castro officiating with visitation to follow. Burial will be Thursday, April 4th at 10:00 am at M. J. Dolly Cooper with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Childrens Hospital, Greenville, SC.