Bruce Morrison Conklin

Bruce Morrison Conklin, 80, of Mt Pleasant, SC, husband to the late Derna G Conklin of 53 years, entered into eternal rest on November 08, 2019, surrounded by his family.

Born on September 25, 1939 in Tuxedo, NY, Bruce was the son of the late William H Conklin and Reba Conklin.  He attended and graduated from Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. After working a variety of jobs, including building homes in NY & FL, he joined the New York State Police in 1962 (Badge #1394).  He served the State of New York as a Trooper and narcotics and homicide investigator until his retirement in 1982. Notable assignments include working undercover at the famous Woodstock Festival in 1969 and the Attica Prison riot in 1971.  Bruce received several commendations while on the force and was extremely proud of his career.

After retirement, Bruce lived life, traveling extensively throughout Europe, North Africa and Australia, even sailing the Virgin Islands with the love of his life, Derna and their three kids (along with lots of visiting friends and relatives). He moved to the Isle of Palms in 1982 and built his own house shortly thereafter.  In the Charleston area, he was a private investigator, owned a lawn care business and a Carvel Ice Cream Franchise, and even worked for McAlister-Smith Funeral Home.

Bruce was a generous soul, giving of himself whenever he could. He volunteered at Meals on Wheels in Mt. Pleasant, and several Charleston charities. He also achieved the rank of Provost Marshall, participating in many Civil War reenactments around the South. Mostly he loved people. All people. He was known for his quick wit and smile, and would talk to anyone crossing his path.  He loved nothing more than to touch someone’s life with a joke, smile, or uplifting comment. He will be missed by all who knew him.Bruce is survived by his three sons; Scott Conklin of Scranton, PA, Jeff and daughter-in-law Kelly Conklin of Cary, NC, and Mark Conklin of Mt. Pleasant, SC.  He is also survived by his two wonderful grand-children; Jenifer Conklin of Milwaukee, WI and Avery Conklin of Minneapolis, MN.

The family will receive friends on Thursday November 21, 2019 from 5PM- 7PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

A Rosary will be prayed at 5PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on November 22, 2019 at Stella Maris Catholic Church,1204 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.
 
Inurnment to immediately follow at St Benedict's Catholic Church Columbarium, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bruce`s memory may be sent to the Golden Retriever Foundation www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/donate.html or the American Diabetes Foundation www.diabetes.org/donate.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.