Lexington- L. Bruce Rentz, 64, left this world to be with the Lord and predeceased relatives and friends on Thursday, May 26, 2016. Born on July 2, 1951, the oldest son of Mary Hite Rentz and the late Reverend Leonard Odell Rentz (1976). A lifelong resident of Lexington County, Bruce graduated in 1969 from Airport High School. In addition to his father, Bruce is preceded in death by his brother Aaron Rentz (1979) and nephew Kevin “Edward” Rentz (2015).
Bruce’s larger-than-life persona was never influenced by social or economic status. Neither did the color of one’s skin, lifestyle, or religion ever hinder Bruce from making a friend out of a complete stranger. If you knew Bruce, you knew LOVE. If you knew Bruce, you knew LAUGHTER and with this said, Bruce had the privilege of having many life-long friends with whom he shared many laughs. Bruce was a former employee of RECO Tanks and most recently Lexington Medical Center.
December 29, 1987, changed Bruce’s life forever and we wish to thank a husband for donating his wife’s kidney. She was only 19 years old when God called her home. We grieved and prayed for her family from the very moment we received the call that a kidney was available and have continued to remember this beautiful person and to love and respect the precious gift she left behind. Thank you for speaking with us on December 28, 2015, so that after 27 years and 364 days, we could finally share with you, our sincere condolences for your loss and to say, thank you. Thank you cannot begin to describe our heartfelt gratitude for your decision to donate your wife’s kidney. What a gift!! Our world changed in so many wonderful ways.
Bruce enjoyed cruising in his BASH (“Bad “A” Silver Hot Rod), and riding on his tractor, but more importantly, he was fun and warm and full of life. Bruce valued life and he made his life count. He unselfishly used his hands, his mind, and his restored health to help so many, from building to welding, auto mechanics and drafting. Bruce had so many talents and she made it possible for Bruce to have a much fuller and richer life without the restraints of dialysis. Bruce will be greatly missed, but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 34 years, Clara Purvis Rentz, his mother, two wonderful and supporting sisters, Frances and David Hoogenboom of Lexington and Miriam and Larry Taylor of Ehrhardt and his loving and youngest brother, Kevin and Vonda Ayer Rentz of Neeses, SC as well as nephews Travis and Jennifer Henzler of Pelion, Peter and Kate Henzler of Lexington, nieces Kim and Freddie Phillips of West Columbia, Nora and Earl Ricard of Lexington, SC. Bruce is also survived by brother-in-laws Glenn and Teresa Purvis, Johnny and Debra Purvis, Cecil and Melissa Purvis, and Robert Purvis, a sister-in-law Rhonda and Ronnie Ratcliff all of West Columbia. Nephews Glenn Jr and Kelly Purvis, Gary and Candi Purvis, AJ and Summer Purvis, Robert Edward Purvis (Kayla), Jarett and Ashley Purvis, and Hunter Purvis. Nieces Mandy Purvis (Tony Mitchum), Amanda Purvis, Jacqueline and Ken Smith all of Columbia, and his loving and caring mother-in-law, Jackie and Bill Warnock of Lexington.
Bruce was so touched by the genuine concern and compassion that the staff at Blizzard Funeral Home extended to his brother Kevin and Vonda Rentz at the untimely death of their son, Kevin “Edward” Rentz, that he has requested funeral arrangements under the direction of Blizzard Funeral Home in Wagener, SC.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31st in the chapel of Blizzard Funeral Home, 163 Main Street S. Wagener, SC 29164. A service to celebrate Bruce’s life will be held at 3p.m. on Wednesday, June 1st at Oakwood Baptist Church, 3520 Mineral Springs Rd. Lexington, SC with Pastor Rich Wilson officiating. Bruce will be laid to rest in Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Rd, W. Columbia.
Memorials may be made to the Alport Syndrome Foundation 1608 Briarwood Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85048-414. Monetary contributions may also be made to Donate Life SC at 22 Centre East, 4200 East North Street, Greenville, SC 29615 (www.donatelifeSC.org)
