Lt. Col. Bruce Bacchus Earnshaw, US Air Force retired, 86, of Edisto Island, SC, passed away peacefully April 13, 2026, in the beloved home that he and his wife Tecla restored and shared for almost forty years.

He was born on May 27, 1939, to George Bacchus and Frances Crump Earnshaw in Washington, DC where his sense of adventure began.

He married Tecla Anne Pacovsky on February 24, 1962 and they were blessed with two daughters, Tamara and Wendy.

Bruce attended American University (BA) and Southern Illinois University (MBA). In between degrees, he joined the US Air Force and thereafter faithfully served his country for 24 years, logging more than 10,500 flying hours. Ever the patriot, he began his career as a C-124 navigator at Charleston Air Force Base, SC. He then served in the Vietnam War and after was the project manager for the C-141 transport plane’s INS Navigation System at Warner Robins AFB, Georgia. During the family’s tour at twin bases RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge, England, he was a senior staff officer directing the major USAF/NATO aircraft conversion from F-4 to A-10s. Coming full circle, in 1986 he retired from the USAF after returning to his original duty station, Charleston.

He was a very proud American and military officer. As a close friend recently stated, “I was thinking your dad was in his glory hearing about the A-10s being used in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The year after his retirement, Bruce and Tecla purchased a house that needed extensive renovations, having the vision to transform it into the beautiful home it now is. Here their family has created many memories and traditions. Fishing at the ‘hole’. Picking crabs for crab dip. Boating and kayaking excursions. Weddings. Smithfield hams. ‘Bear hunts’ with stargazing. Harvesting pecans. Fossil expeditions. Oyster roasts. Guy Fawkes bonfires. Christmas crackers and stocking stuffers. Shrimp and grits on the back porch. Riding the tractor. And, of course, his arduous attempts to repair his nemesis, The Road.

Bruce was an avid sports fan, attending as many Clemson football, Battery soccer, and College of Charleston basketball games as possible. He also made his annual pilgrimage to the NASCAR Southern 500 in Darlington. When he was unable to attend in person, he enjoyed watching a variety of sports on TV and providing stats, names, specific events, and dates–both recent and from decades past–for any audience willing to listen. His ability to accurately recall so many specific details and so much information was incredible. He was an enigma.

Bruce is survived by his wife Tecla Earnshaw of Edisto; his daughter Tamara Gearhart (Michael) of Spartanburg, SC; his younger daughter Wendy Girgan (John) of Summerville, SC; his grandchildren Kyle (Blair), Rebecca (Raymond), and Hattie (Andrew); his great grandchildren Sarah, Miley, and Nathaniel Jack; brother-in-law Terry; and nieces Diane, Lisa, and Teresa and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Frances Earnshaw and brother Robert Crump Earnshaw.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the Heartland Hospice Team of Cherie, Jay, and Sandi; caregivers Angie and Angelina; and their dear friends and family.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, 2164 HWY 174, Edisto, South Carolina, on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2 pm with family friend Reverend Dr. Chick Morrison officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations can be made to the following: Tunnel to Towers, www.t2t.org; or to, New First Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, Edisto Island, www.Newfmbc.org.

Arrangements by: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.