The family of Bruce Baker Sipe, Jr. sadly announce the passing of their loved one on Saturday May 2nd at the family home in Alcoa.

Bruce was born to Bruce Baker Sipe and Mary Kinser Sipe on January 5, 1950. He grew up on Lincoln Street and later the family moved to Ramsay Street. He graduated from Alcoa High School in 1968 where he played football and basketball. He was on the 1967 State Basketball Championship team. In 1972, he began working for ALCOA, Inc. (Aluminum Company of America). He was laid off several times, like many others during that time but received an opportunity to come back to work via ALCOA’s power division TAPOCO (Tallassee Power Company) generating hydroelectric power. He worked as a laborer, truck driver and later as a powerhouse operator at Calderwood Dam. He was working there when, in 1977, he met his future wife, life partner and best friend Kaye Bowerman. He and Kaye were married in 1978. They welcomed their first child Brian Christopher in 1980 and then welcomed their daughter Lauren Elizabeth in 1985. In the mid-1980s he had an opportunity to transfer back to ALCOA, Inc. and enter their Electrical Apprenticeship Program. He retired from ALCOA in 2006 with 34 years of service. He was a proud member of United Steelworkers Local 309 serving as Power Chairman for Calderwood, then Local Union Trustee and Local 309 Review Editor and was a member of the ALCOA 25-year Club. Bruce served on the ATFCU (Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union) Board of Directors beginning in the late 90’s holding several committee positions and eventually held the position of Chairman of the Board for some twenty years until he stepped down for health reasons. Bruce enjoyed lifting weights and traveling. He always looked forward to fall beach trips with family.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Bruce & Mary Sipe, Grandparents Bennie & Nina Kinser of Alcoa, Tom & Mary Ellen Sipe of Maryville & Sister Carolyn Sipe Spires. Mother and Father-in-law Robert & Martela Keaton Bowerman. He is survived by his wife Kaye Bowerman Sipe of almost 48 years, son Brian Sipe, grandson Zarren Sipe of Maryville, daughter and son-in-law Lauren Sipe and Matthew Rehwaldt of Omaha NE, sister Kay Lingenfelter Arnold of Hickory NC along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Per Bruce’s request a private graveside service was held, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. David Gill, David Proffitt and Jim Wells conducted the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers he asked that donations be made to Monte Vista Baptist Church (Dollar in the Pew Ministries – May is GAP which supports Grandparents as Parents) 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road Maryville TN 37803 or MAARC (Maryville-Alcoa Animal Rescue Center 426 Home Maryville TN 37801. The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Tolleson, Dr. John Kriese and Staff and Blount Memorial (Prisma) Home Health Care and Hospice Programs for their excellent care. All of you have become an extended family to us.

Smith Funeral & Cremation and Grandview Cemetery are assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at 865-983-1000.