Mr. Bruce Clark Gordy, beloved husband of Peggy Ann Gordy, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 85.
Born June 15, 1940, in Salisbury, Md., and raised on Tangier Island, he was the son of the late Raymond E. and Hazel R. Gordy.
A lifelong resident and devoted ambassador of Tangier Island, Bruce cherished the place he called home and dedicated much of his life to preserving its heritage and investing in its future. A proud graduate of Tangier Combined School, he later returned to the classroom as an educator, shaping generations of island students.
Bruce and Peggy were married on June 20, 1964, and shortly thereafter moved to Williamsburg, where they began their family while Bruce pursued his bachelor’s degree at The College of William & Mary. Upon completing his studies, they returned to their beloved island, where Bruce resumed his calling as a teacher.
His career at Tangier Combined School spanned 36 years, beginning from 1961 to 1964 under a special teaching certificate and continuing from 1968 until his retirement in 2001 following his college graduation. Throughout those years, he was instrumental in advancing computer technology within the school system, helping prepare students for an ever-changing world while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of island life.
Known by many as the unofficial historian of Tangier, Bruce possessed a remarkable knowledge of the island’s history and was always eager to share its stories with visitors and residents alike. He volunteered countless hours at the Tangier History Museum and created “Tangier Talk,” a collection of words and phrases that only islanders use. His love for Tangier was evident in every conversation, and he took great pride in preserving its culture for future generations.
When he wasn’t at school, he was often enjoying time with family or gathered with friends at the “Situation Room,” enjoying fellowship and conversation.
Bruce enjoyed hunting, crabbing, and spending hours on the water, forever casting a line in pursuit of that elusive “doormat-sized” flounder.
Yet above all else, his greatest happiness came from his family. He especially treasured every opportunity to spend time with his grandsons and great-grandchildren and in recent years made certain he devoted as much time to them as possible. Whether sharing stories, offering wisdom, or simply enjoying their company, Bruce’s love for his family was unwavering and evident in all he did.
In addition to his wife of 62 years, Peggy Gordy, he is survived by his daughters, Susan Crockett and her husband, Peter, of Tangier, and Julie Gordy, of Belle Haven; his grandsons, Derek Gordy, of Belle Haven, Logan Crockett and his wife, Lindsey, of Marion, Md., and Nathan Crockett and his wife, Kayla, of Tangier; and his great-grandchildren, Kamry, Rowen, and Kole Crockett.
In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, James E. Gordy.
Services were conducted from the graveside at Sunnyridge Memorial Park in Crisfield, Md., on Thursday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m.
Contributions in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 239, Tangier, VA 23440.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams Funeral Homes, Onancock and Parksley.
