WINGARD, Bruce Joseph (Doc)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, July 03, 2014 Bruce Joseph "Doc" Wingard entered into the joy of his Master on June 6, 2014, after a nine-month fight with the complications of prostate cancer. His "graduation" was attended by immediate family. He was 67 years old and an Arizona resident for 15 years. Bruce was born in Santa Monica, Calif., on Nov. 20, 1946; he was a surviving twin, losing his sister Bonnie at birth. He attended Westchester High School in California and received his B.A. from Pepperdine University, his M.Div from then USC School of Theology at Claremont, and his Ph.D. from New York University. He became the "common man's theologian" who loved to unravel the Bible in-depth to those who had a desire to better understand the Word of God. While his working career covered everything form youth pastor to business developer, his heart was always to be a writer. He became a ghostwriter for several Christian ministers and, with his wife as part of the team, ghost-wrote 13 books, numerous pamphlets, articles and stories over a span of 20 years. He recently tried his hand at fiction and last year placed second in the fiction category of the Professional Writers of Prescott annual competition. Most recently, he was radio announcer for KAHM 102.1 in Prescott, Ariz. Bruce was known for his kind and generous heart. He was always ready to listen, analyze and offer a word of encouragement. He had no trouble getting dirty when there was a job to do. Bruce was a lifelong fan of the Old West, books and lore, and an avid NASCAR fan as well: Go, Jimmie! He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Christine, the love of his life; his daughter Elizabeth Diane and her husband Charles McCormick; as well as his son, Joshua Arthur and his wife Kelly. There are also eight grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren. Vaya con Dios, Doc. Information provided by survivors.