Edward Bruce Foster Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Bruce Foster, Jr. Born in 1936 in Knoxville, TN, Bruce passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2025, age 88, with the same grace by which he had lived. Bruce is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betsy; children, Bailey Foster and wife, Marcia Tobin, and Benjamin Foster and wife, Emiko Kunita; sister and brother-in-law, Lee and Bill Monroe; niece, Meg Stone; and his four grandchildren, Henry, Maggie, Kaya, and Sho. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Evelyn and Edward Bruce Foster; sister and brother-in-law, Lyn and Gary Scales; niece, Mary Katherine Stone; and many friends. A life-time member of the Tennessee Bar Association, Bruce was a well-regarded business attorney and community leader known for his self-effacing nature and skill at building consensus. Before his long career as a “jawbone,” Bruce came hesitantly to the law, encouraged by his father – also a successful Knoxville attorney – to finish his education quickly. Bruce earned his bachelor’s degree (BS in Business Administration, 1957) and law degree (LLB, 1958) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, at age 22. Following law school, Bruce received a commission as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving on active duty in France from 1959 - 1963, as the Berlin Wall was built. While in Europe, he did not miss an opportunity to ski the Alps or tour the backroads of France. After discharge with the rank of Captain, Bruce returned to Knoxville as an Associate at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour (“green and overpaid,” he said, at $300 per month). He rose to Partner as a trial attorney serving the legal needs of corporate clients. In 1991, Bruce joined Bass, Berry, and Sims, opening its first Knoxville office. Among his many achievements, Bruce was a lifelong member of the TN Bar Association, served as president of the Knoxville Bar Association, was a member of the Tennessee State Constitutional Convention of 1977, and served as a Special Justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court during Lamar Alexander’s administration. Bruce has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1987. He served on numerous Boards, including the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, the Public Building Authority, the Central YMCA and United Way of Greater Knoxville, where he also served as General Counsel. Bruce was also a member of the commission that formed the Central Business Improvement District in 1993, with the aim to create a vibrant, flourishing downtown. While young, Bruce relished the competitive atmosphere of the courtroom, but late in his career, he re-trained in mediation, at which he also excelled. Bruce retired in 2016 at age 80, bidding farewell to his last remaining client, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, which he had served for 30 years. Personal relationships and his faith meant a great deal to Bruce, as did a sense of duty and responsibility toward his family and community. He was known to be generous with his time and encouraging to others, whether other lawyers in his firm or those he worked with at his church or in the community. Bruce remembered fondly the teachers, pastors, family, and friends who shaped his life. Members of Bruce’s West High School graduating class of 1953 still gathered for lunch and occasional roadtrips well into their 80s. His group of “codgers” met for lunch weekly. After his retirement, he delivered a regular route for Mobile Meals until the month before he died. For more than 30 years, Bruce hosted a covenant group from 2nd Presbyterian Church at his home for breakfast, study, and prayer. A lifelong member of “2nd Pres,” Bruce was elected deacon and ruling elder, delivered groceries for the FISH Pantry, and trained and served as a Stephen Minister. Many of his fellow congregants remember fondly and will miss the wise, beautiful prayers that he delivered during services on many Sundays. The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers, Brenda Croxton, and Amanda, Jennifer and Michelle of Covenant Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on April 12, 2025, at 2nd Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, with a reception and food to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Edward Bruce Foster, Jr. to: 2nd Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 (https://www.2ndpres.org/give/); the E. Bruce and Mary Evelyn Foster Scholarship at the University of Tennessee College of Law, 1505 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996 (https://law.utk.edu/alumni-and-donors/give-back/); Knoxville Knox County-CAC Mobile Meals, 2247 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 (https://www.knoxseniors.org/support-mobile-meals/); or do what Bruce did best – do something kind for someone else. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Tributes

Edward Bruce Foster Jr.

May 1, 1936 - March 7, 2025