Bruce Lee

Bruce Cox Lee, age 68, passed away on December 3, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Cedar City, Utah, on March 15, 1955, to Robert and Colleen Cox Lee. He grew up in Beaver, Utah, spending time with his siblings and cousins. He played football and baseball, fished in the ditch, and enjoyed life in a small town. Bruce graduated from Beaver High School as valedictorian and went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University.

Bruce met Jolene Cooley on a blind date, and they were married in the Manti LDS temple on August 15, 1975. Bruce dedicated his life to his family. They were blessed with three daughters, Jennifer, Krista Anne, and Erin, and a son, Eric. The best part of Bruce’s life was his nine grandchildren. His family adored him.

Bruce worked in writing and publishing during his professional life. He wrote for the Spectrum and Iron County Record. He owned a publishing company, Tuesday Publishing, with his partner, Jeff Ray, and ran his own business, Midsummer Magazine, for many years. He spent most of his professional life working in publications and communications for the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Bruce was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the gospel. He spent many years serving the scouts and the youth of his ward. He loved to serve in all capacities, big and small. He particularly loved serving as a temple worker. He and Jolene received a mission call three weeks ago – they are assigned to work at the Johannesburg, South Africa, temple. Bruce had just begun Zulu lessons in preparation and was ready to start brushing up on his childhood piano skills.

Scouting played a big role in Bruce’s life. As a teenager, he went to the National Scouting Jamboree, earned his eagle scout, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. As an adult, he worked with hundreds of young men and leaders. He participated in Timberline and Woodbadge leadership and was honored to receive the Silver Beaver award. Bruce said scouting literally saved his life as a boy and again as an adult.

He was very involved in local politics. Bruce was elected mayor of Enoch City at age 29 and was the youngest mayor in Utah history at the time. He took office on the same day his dad did in Beaver. He was a democrat registered as a republican, hoping for more common sense in government. Bruce was instrumental in hiring the first city manager, getting each home connected to the Iron County sewer system, bringing in natural gas, and advocating for Enoch city with pride.

Bruce had many interests and hobbies. He loved water and snow skiing, and all kinds of museums. He wanted to be an astronaut. Bruce’s home is lined with bookshelves, and he has read and made notes in every one of them. He always read the newspaper, and never skipped the comics. His favorite meal was bacon cheeseburgers, coke, and ketchup. Bruce loved long road trips with Jolene and stopped to read every marker word for word while she waited in the car. Recently, Bruce enjoyed golfing with his brother, Mike, and cousin Kevin.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jolene; his siblings Debbie (Reed) Carter, Mike (Vickie)
Lee, Steve Lee, and Marianne (Joe) White; his children Jennifer (Jared) Small, Krista (Kirk) Bulloch, Erin (Reuben) Bitseedy, and Eric (Becky) Lee; grandchildren Chandler, Olivia, Ian, Addison, and Isaac Small, Ethan and Connor Bulloch, Harper and Grace Lee; and family friend, Jennifer Larson. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Colleen Cox Lee, and his father-in-law, Charles Cooley.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9 th, at the Enoch Midvalley LDS church (451 E. Midvalley Road, Enoch) at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Enoch City Cemetery, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent and a live stream of the service may be viewed at www.mortuary.org

Bruce’s biggest priority was that his family is taken care of. His children have recently had some medical hardships. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bruce Lee Memorial Fund at Mountain America Credit Union.