King – Bruce Overby, 64, of King, NC, passed away lovingly and peacefully while in the arms of the love of his life, his wife Kathleen whom he called “My Rose”, at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, on Friday, February 12, 2021, after a fearless and courageous battle with cancer.

Bruce was born on July 22, 1956 in Durham, NC, where he was raised by his devoted grandparents, James, and Lucy Overby, he was a dedicated, hardworking, long distance truck driver for 45 years and recently retired from U.S. Xpress Enterprises as an owner-operator.

Bruce had a heart of gold and never met a stranger.  He was a warn, affectionate man who took much pleasure in doing anything he could to help anyone.  He was a man of God whose faith never wavered.  Next to the Lord, the most important thing in his life was loving Kathleen. He and Kathleen were married on February 16, 2013.  He adored her and provided her with the best life she had known.  He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; he treasured nature and delighted in working outdoors.

He was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by his loyal grandparents; an extra special man who he adored, his father-in-law, Melvin Crafford (Pop), and a multitude of family and friends who had gone on before.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Kathleen; who worshipped the ground he walked on; his “favorite” mother-in-law, Nancy Crafford (Mom), who calls him her “favorite son-in-law”; two dear step children who he deeply loved, and five precious grandchildren who held a special place in his heart: Anthony (Aimee), and Elijah Bolejack, Leslie (Dereck) Pettitt, Alex, Katelyn, Austin, and Erica; two extraordinary brothers-in-law which he thought the world of , Don (Kathy) and Tim Crafford, several cousins, and a multitude of friends.  He also leaves behind his treasured family of trucker friends who tremendously made his life easier by always being there for him.

Mr. Overby will lie instate on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Slate Funeral Home.  The family will also receive friends during this time at the home of Bruce and Kathleen.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to cover his final expenses to Slate Funeral Home or to Kathleen.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the Chaplins of the 8th floor Palliative Care Unit at Forsyth Medical Center for providing the spiritual needs of Bruce and his family which were remarkably met, Heather Shearer, Charles Stinson, plus the surgical staff.  Each one provided Bruce with the very best medical care humanly possible.  Exceptional appreciation is extended to Deborah Potticary for her kindness and thoughtfulness.  We also wish to thank the numerous staff of Novant Health and the staff of Slate Funeral Home who displayed caring attention to Bruce’s and our needs. May the Lord tremendously bless each and every person who prayed for him or attended to him.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bruce Overby.  Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.