Bruce Wythers Perrine, Sr. Age 93 passed away on Tuesday June 20, 2023 at his home. He was born on August 24, 1929 to P.A. and Besse Perrine in Denver Colorado.

After running a successful business as the owner of a Gulf gas station in Perry, FL, he moved to Wauchula in 1964 where he planted roots for his family. He owned the Western Auto in Wauchula, FL, and ultimately retired as an agent at Farm Bureau. He proudly served his community as a member of the Hardee County School Board for 8 years.

On February 20, 1950, he received an offer from the St. Louis Cardinals to play baseball with their organization. He was very proud of this accomplishment and loved to talk about it with friends. He participated in the Senior Games in 2020 at the age of 90, playing ping-pong and bowling.

Dad loved to take family and friends scalloping (he proudly claimed the title as "the butt watcher") to make sure no one got too far from the boat. He was also a competitive fisherman, often challenging anyone who stepped on his boat. Dad also umpired the Church league Women's softball games and enjoyed anything to do with outdoor activity.

Dad was an excellent wood worker. He has made countless Adirondack chairs, corn-hole game boards, wooden toys for his grandchildren, and so many more items. If you brought Dad an "idea" or a plan, he would build it. He practically gave away all these things because he just loved building.

He was legendary for this annual "Happy Birthday" phone calls where he loved to sing Happy Birthday to everyone. We would giggle and laugh about the way he sang and after he would ask if we thought he was ready for "American Idol". Most of all, Dad will be remembered for his fierce love of family.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Jeanette Puckett Perrine, his parents P.A. and Besse Perrine, and his son-in-law Donnie Davis.

He is survived by his children Bruce Jr (Suzanne) Perrine of Maumelle, Arkansas, Tammy Perrine of Wauchula, Florida and Kim Davis of Dover, Florida. He has nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, and two nieces and one nephew.

There will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hardee Help Center and/or Wauchula Garden Club.

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes of Wauchula are in charge of the arrangements.