Obituary: Bruce Michael Rafferty

Bruce Michael Rafferty, age 77, of Kinston, NC of Lenoir County, went to live with the Lord Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He was surrounded by family and a friend at his bedside in his home.

Bruce was born on May 13, 1947, in Schenectady, NY, to Virginia Mary Rafferty and Cleon Herbert Rafferty. He married Cynthia (Cyndi) Barker Adkins on October 14, 1989, and they were happily married for 34 years. He graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Psychology. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Bruce then joined the civilian work force as a regional manager for daycare centers in the southeast and later took a position with the State of North Carolina. He retired from Caswell Center as a Behavior Program Specialist, after 30 years of service with the State. He was loved by his clients as well as by staff.

Bruce had a great love for his family and his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He was a loving-devoted husband, a wonderful father, and an amazing Pa. He was a great brother and uncle. The perfect day for Bruce was a day spent with family and friends. One of his greatest accomplishments was getting his pilot's license. He enjoyed taking family and friends up in the sky as he flew into the "Wild Blue Yonder."

Bruce was an avid photographer who enjoyed developing his own film and editing digital photography. He became known as an unofficial team photographer and enjoyed giving pictures to family and teammates. He took pride in photographing ballgames involving his siblings, children, and grandchildren. He loved nature, whether it was hiking and camping in the mountains or walking on the beach. He loved to "go," eat good food, and enjoy ice cream. Bruce took pleasure working in the yard, growing flowers, watching birds, caring for animals, and raising cockatiels.

While Bruce was a sincere and serious person, he was also known as a prankster. He loved playing innocent jokes on family members, friends, and co-workers. He loved to laugh and had a great smile when doing so.

Bruce loved his church family at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. He was an active member of the church until his health prevented him from doing so. He took pride in ushering in various services and was available to help out during outside church services that occurred, including the time of COVID. He looked forward to volunteering for "Hand in Hand," a reading program at Northwest Elementary School. He loved the children, and they loved him.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia (Cyndi) Rafferty as well as his son, Benjamin Rafferty (Nicole); daughter, Carrie Rafferty; stepdaughter, Jessica Tyndall; stepson, Brandon Adkins; five grandchildren, Brayden Tyndall, Brendan Tyndall, Kellen Rafferty, Teddy Rafferty, and Natalia Rafferty; sister, Kathy Rafferty; brother, Tom Rafferty (Mary) and Kevin Rafferty (Joy). He is survived by several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by special family, JR and Linda Ham and Mary Ham.

In addition to his parents, Bruce is also preceded in death by his sister, Debi Shepherd, and his brother, David Rafferty.

A special thank you is given to his caregivers, Richard Crumbacker and Hurley Ann Powell, for the outstanding care given. Thank you to all at 3HC Hospice, especially Haley Andrews and Tammy Jones, for your compassion and understanding. Thank you to the NC State Veterans Home, especially the BRAVO staff and the PT/OT Therapy Department.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his funeral service Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in Moseley Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Carolina State Veterans Home, 2150 Hull Rd, Kinston, NC, 28504 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.