Maxwell "Max" Thomas Bruce, 21 of Bixby, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, March 6th, 2021. He was born on May 11th, 1999 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to David Bruce and Marissa Lawrence Benzel. Max graduated from Bixby High School, in Bixby, Oklahoma in May 2017 and then followed his childhood dream of joining the Army. He graduated from Boot Camp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and then went on to serve as an 88 Mike "Truck Driver" in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He fell in love with the beauty Alaska offered during his time there, and the adventures he had, from drifting his truck in the snow, riding his dirt bike, and seeing wildlife up close. He left the service having gained many cherished lifelong brothers and sisters. He then carried on working, back and forth between Oklahoma and Florida, still uncertain what career path to take, until he came upon commercial diving. Max was a natural in the water, and loved the idea of combining his love of diving with an adventurous career, because he would be the first to tell you that a desk job was not for him! He signed on as a student at CDA in Jacksonville, Florida and quickly became a star student, achieving a 91% overall grade as well as earning perfect attendance. Max became certified as a master diver, rescue diver and achieved several other certifications. The same day he graduated, he interviewed and was immediately hired on for his dream job with a company in Norfolk, Virginia.

His best trait was his sense of humor. He was the most kind hearted and generous young man and he loved nothing more than to take care of his family and friends. He juggled being a little brother to one, and a big brother to six, with ease, always making sure each of his siblings felt loved. He adored his dog, Sophie, and she went everywhere he could possibly bring her. Max's biggest enjoyments in life had wheels, whether it be two or four, or even more in the Army. He started young riding BMX bikes, and quickly found joy in riding dirt bikes, eventually moving on to his pride and joy GSXR 750. He had a deep passion for rotary engines and set his sight on the big prize, a 1993 Mazda FD RX7. He poured his blood, sweat and tears into his car, which sometimes ran and sometimes didn't, but that he loved nonetheless. He was an Oklahoma boy through and through but never met a Florida sunset he didn't like. The biggest enjoyment for Max though was spending time with his family and friends, always bringing us laughter and joy.

Max is survived by his loving family including; his Mother Marissa Lawrence Benzel of Fort Myers, Florida; Father David Bruce of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Step-father Steven Benzel Jr of Fort Myers, Florida; Siblings Serra Weller and brother-in-law Gavin Weller, both of Estero, Florida; Hannah Bruce of Fort Myers, Florida; Jackson Bruce of Bixby, Oklahoma; Caden Benzel, Zander Benzel, Mason Benzel and Brylee Benzel, all of Fort Myers, Florida; Great Grandmother Ida Galovich of Bixby, Oklahoma; Grandparents Gary and Terry Bruce of Bixby, Oklahoma; Ronald and Linda Van Voorhis of Skiatook, Oklahoma; Aunt Angela Bruce of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins and family members. He is preceded in death by his Great Grandfathers, George Galovich; Delbert Singleton; and Joseph Lawrence; Great Grandmothers, Viola Melton; Betty Singleton; and Thelma Lawrence; and Grandfather Leslie Lawrence.

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