Bruce was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 23, 1945 to Esther (nee Urban) and Edgar G. Bowerman. He's the beloved husband of Drena (nee Williams) for 40 years; devoted father of Michael (Jinda) and stepfather of Asa Guice and Nicole DeSaix; and cherished grandfather of Benjamin and Lex Bowerman. He is preceded in death by his best friend and co-author Richard T. O'Connell, his sister Susan Bowerman Payne, and his parents. He is survived by his first wife Cheryl Hammond and many other dear friends and colleagues.

Bruce was passionate about education and his specialty field of statistics. He earned his Bachelor's from Miami University, his Master's from Purdue, and his Doctorate from Iowa State. He returned to his alma mater to become a professor of Statistics in the Farmer's School of Business at Miami University from 1973 until his retirement in 2007. During and after his distinguished 34 year career with MU, Bruce published 27 textbooks in statistics.

A memorial visitation will be held at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, Oxford, Ohio on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:00pm followed by a Service and memorial sharing at 2:00pm.