Bruce Wayne Billups, 78, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on March 10, 1948, in Beckley to James Bruce and Dolores Billups, Bruce graduated from Mount Hope High School, where he played football for the Mustangs. There he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Carol. They have been married for 58 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Bruce and Dolores Billups, his stepmother, Sally Billups, and his mother-in-law, Helen Greer.

He lived a life defined by faith, hard work, service, and most importantly, family. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, an experience that remained an important part of his life. He later spent many years as a surface miner before becoming a Federal Mine Inspector, where he retired. He believed in working hard, doing things the right way, and taking care of the people he loved.

But the titles he held and the work he accomplished were only a small part of who he was. Above all, he was a family man. Nothing meant more to him than the people he loved. He was happiest when his family was together, and there was never any doubt about how much they meant to him. He was the kind of man you could count on—the one who was always there, always smiling, and always ready to make those around him feel loved.

His faith was at the center of his life. Bruce was a devoted Christian and a member of Cranberry Baptist Church. He trusted in the Lord and carried that faith with him through every season of his life, including his final days. He didn't merely speak about his faith; he showed it in how he lived, loved, worked, and cared for others.

Those who knew him will remember his smile most of all. No matter where he was or what kind of day he was having, he always seemed to have a smile to share. He had a warmth about him that made people feel welcome and loved. It was one of the many things that made him so special.

Anyone who knew Bruce knew he enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved a good meal and was always ready to eat. When he wasn't spending time with family or at church, you were likely to find him settled in, watching Fox News. These everyday things—the familiar routines, the meals shared together, and seeing him in his favorite spot watching the news—are some of the little things his family will miss most.

After a brief battle with cancer, he was able to spend his final moments where he belonged—at home, surrounded by the people who meant everything to him. Saying goodbye to a man so deeply loved leaves an immeasurable emptiness, but his family finds comfort in knowing he was surrounded by love and that his faith has carried him home.

Although his absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled, his family is grateful for the lifetime of memories he gave them. Bruce had a family who loved him beyond measure. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his daughters, Patricia Nestor and husband Scott of Clarksburg, and Michelle Daniels and husband Donnie of Beckley. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, who were the loves of his life – Brent Andrew Daniels, Lucas Scott Nestor, Brooke Madison Daniels, and Nicholas Wayne Nestor and his wife Emma.

Bruce leaves a legacy of faith, hard work, service, and unconditional love for his family. He taught those around him the importance of loving family, working hard, trusting in God, enjoying a good meal, and always finding a reason to smile. He was one of a kind, deeply loved, and will be missed beyond words. His family will carry his stories, smile, faith, and love with them always.

Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, August 14 ,2026 at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel 701 Highway 21 Mount Hope WV, 25880.

Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 PM until service time on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Hope.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel 701 Highway 21 Mount Hope WV, 25880 with Pastor Wayne Peters officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.

Pallbearers will be Scott Nestor, Donnie Daniels, Brent Daniels, Lucas Nestor, Nicholas Nestor, and Mark Billups. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Billups, Paul Billups, and Michael Miller.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Mr. Bruce Billups is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.