Bruce G. Brookshire Dies

Bruce Glenn Brookshire, chairman emeritus for Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire Grocery Co. (BCG), died Friday, April 16.

Affectionately known as the “Prune Peddler,” Brookshire was born Dec. 3, 1928, to the late W.T. and Louise Brookshire, the founders of today’s BCG.

1n 1950 Brookshire interrupted his education at the University of Texas in Austin to return home to Tyler and work alongside his father in the grocery business. There were 10 Brookshire’s Grocery Stores when he joined the family business.

After his father’s death, Brookshire became the company’s chairman of the board. During his 30 years as chairman, Brookshire’s vision and leadership saw the company grow to more than 150 stores in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Brookshire’s slogans are well known throughout the company and include, “We have a SMILE in store for you,” “Pay obsessive attention to each customer,” and “We don’t sell just food, we sell warm, friendly, courteous customer service.”

An avid outdoorsman who also contributed to many charitable efforts, Brookshire received the Boy Scouts of America, East Texas Area Council’s first Distinguished Citizen Award in 1992. He also received honors from such prestigious organizations as the United Way, the East Texas Peace Officers Association, the Salvation Army and the American Cancer Society.

Brookshire’s survivors include his wife, Carrie; his sons, Tim and Britt; their wives, Michelle and Sunni; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler on April 20.
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