Rev. Bruce Walter Henry Urich, Ph.D.

Rev. Bruce Urich, 88, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully at Palm Garden of Orlando on November 6, 2020. Bruce was born in Evansville, Illinois, to Walter Klein and Louise Marie Miller Urich. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, Nina Ann Schrader Urich of 47 years, brother, Walter K. Urich, Jr., and sister, Carole Louise Urich. Bruce is survived by his wife of eight years, Cherry Lewis Urich, sons, Paul L. Urich and Robert B. Urich and daughter, Laura Urich-Liebersbach (Brian,) step daughter Gillian Arreguin (Manny,) brothers David A. (Shelia) Urich and Robert W. (Deborah F.) Urich, grandson and step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Bruce served in the Panama Canal Zone in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Instead of pursuing pre-law, at his mother's suggestion he turned his focus to becoming a minister of the Gospel. He was an alumnus of the University of Maryland, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Temple University, and received his Ph.D. at Florida Christian University. Bruce served the Lord for 55+ years as a pastor of Presbyterian churches in eight states, ending with St. John's Presbyterian Church in Orlando. Bruce was the Dean of Florida Christian University for 20 years where he was loved by the students. Also, Bruce served on two boards of Private Colleges (FCPC and CPCA) and was the Chaplain for the Orlando Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI).

Bruce was an avid reader, owned convertible cars, and had an interest in antique cars. In college, he was known as "The Walking Encyclopedia." Bruce was 6'5 ½" and a question he was often asked was "Do you play basketball?" Sports was not one of Bruce's activities. He loved to minister to people of every walk of life. Bruce had a special love for his parishioners and a big heart for anyone in need. As the pastor, he picked up two of his elderly parishioners every Sunday morning. His heart was so tender, that he would even stop and rescue a wayward turtle! At Christmas, he was part of a choir that presented Handel's Messiah.

While at Palm Garden of Orlando for three years, he continued his ministry of prayer and singing (he remembered every word and tune of every hymn – amazing!), touching residents and staff. He displayed peace right to the end that was certainly straight from heaven. His love for the Lord and people was an amazing gift! Thanks to Palm Garden staff for their loving care.

The flag ceremony and placing of the urn in the Columbaria will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (Lane D) 5525 US Hwy 1, Mims, FL 32754 located in the community of Scottsmoor www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/capecanaveral.asp. This will be followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. at Glory of God Anglican Church, 3735 Indian River Drive, Cocoa, Florida 32926 www.gogacc.com. Masks and social distancing will be observed.

Bruce's legacy would continue to touch and save lives, especially of the unborn, should you consider donating to Choices Women's Clinic, a Christian organization, at www.choicesfriends.com or send to 1851 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.

Baldwin Bros., 1654 N Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807 https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/bruce-urich/