Bruce Eric Hovey, 66, lifelong resident of Olney, died Wednesday, August 31, 2022. He left this earth on his 66th birthday, and went peacefully in his sleep - after enjoying his celebratory piece of cake, of course.

Bruce was born August 31, 1956, in Olney, the son of Cyril Jerome “Jerry” Hovey Jr. and Mary Margaret Hovey. He was a member of Elm Street Christian Church in Olney. Bruce grew up helping his family in the busy kitchen at Hovey’s Restaurant, and then worked for several years until his early retirement from D. Lawless Hardware. He purchased his beloved Les Paul guitar at a very young age, and became a self-taught prodigy. He played alongside his brother Dan, on drums, and they made several recordings together over the years. He was passionate about Jazz music, with a special admiration for Chick Corea and Allan Holdsworth. He was a devoted Nascar fan who never missed watching a race, especially when his favorite drivers, Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. were racing. He took pride in his collection of classic model cars and rare coins. He also enjoyed watching thunderstorms, and was always down for a tornado chase. He spent his final years living out at the lake, next to his daughter and her family, who made sure he was happy and well taken care of.

Bruce will be dearly missed by his daughter, Erin Hovey and her fiance, Elliott Atherton III, of Olney; grandsons, Korbin, Sylas, and Quentin, of Olney; mother, Mary Margaret Hovey, of Olney; sisters, Christine Simonson, of Washington state, and Deborah Hocking (David), of Olney; brother, John Hovey (Tracy), of Olney; sister-in-law, Linda Hovey, of Olney; several nieces and nephews; former wife, Michelle Pinkstaff, of Florida; extended family members Peggy Bahl, Mike and Mel Hardy, and Kathy Penk, of Olney; and close friend, Mark Roth, of Olney.

He was preceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Cyril J. Hovey Sr. and Mabel Hovey; maternal grandparents, Albert and Myrtle Michels; father, Cyril J. Hovey Jr.; and brother, Dan Hovey.

Cremation rites were accorded, with the assistance of Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. There will be no formal services, however a celebration of life will be held in late September.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL