Bruce Edward Hathaway, 93, departed this beautiful world on August 10, 2024, in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he had resided for nearly 40 years.

Bruce was born on February 14, 1931, in Suffolk, Virginia, the son of the late Luther Thomas Hathaway and Texie Doris Harcum Hathaway, and the third oldest of eight children. Bruce was predeceased by his loving wife, Betsey Durland Davis Hathaway, a beloved son, Bruce E. Hathaway, Jr., his parents, brother, Luther T. Hathaway, sister, Anne Hathaway Sommers, and brother, Ralph L. Hathaway.

Bruce is survived by his son, Brantley Davis Hathaway and daughter-in-law, Catherine Gray Hathaway of Richmond, Virginia and their three sons, Brantley, Whit, and Gray; and their youngest son, Brooks Durland Hathaway and daughter-in-law, Kristen Kovac Hathaway of Raleigh, North Carolina and their three children, son, Davis, and daughters, Carter and Durland. Bruce is also survived by two sisters, Frances H. Hoessly of Norfolk, Virginia, and Honey H. McAnally of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and two brothers, Curtis H. Hathaway of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Fred G. Hathaway of Greenville, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce met Betsey, the “love of his life,” her first day at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1952. After five years of dating, two of which Bruce served in the U.S. Army in Germany, Betsey and Bruce were married in 1957. Theirs was a 70 year love affair, as evidenced by the fact that they could always be found together enjoying family, traveling, engaged in sports, and living their beautiful lives together.

Upon graduating from William & Mary in 1956, Bruce was employed by Dillard Paper Company in North Carolina and Virginia prior to founding Guilford Packaging & Fiber, with a partner, in 1975 in High Point, North Carolina. Bruce was the founding partner of Jefferson Supply Company, Guilford Packaging & Fiber, and Innovative Packaging.

Bruce served as a Trustee on the Endowment Board at the College of William & Mary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Lees-McRae College, Trustee at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, YMCA Board, Salvation Army Board, United Way Board, First Citizen Bank Board, Westchester Country Day School Board, Rotary Club, Hospice of the Piedmont; and other service organizations. Social clubs: Emerywood Country Club, Farmington Country Club, Indian Creek Country Club, The Moorings Club, and Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club.

Bruce found the greatest joy in spending time with his beloved family and grandchildren. Vacation time with family and friends was always special in Vero Beach, FL, “The Rivah” in Irvington, VA, Bald Head Island, NC, and Morehead Beach, NC. Education was a constant goal and of utmost importance to Bruce and Betsey. “Big Bruce” was adored by his children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends, and his memory and many life lessons he shared will live on forever in all of their hearts.

The family would like to thank Bruce’s amazing and devoted care team for their compassion and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the “Fund for William & Mary” at William & Mary. Checks should be made payable to William & Mary and mailed to University Advancement, Gift Administration, P.O. Box 1693 Harlan, Iowa 51593-1993. Please include “(0900) In Memory of Bruce Hathaway” in the memo section. Credit card payments are accepted through give.wm.edu.

Condolences may be shared with the family on the tribute wall.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.