Other Events:

• Military: US Marine Corps, WW II (played on USMC National basketball team)
• Education: Doddridge Co HS 1939 (captain of football & basketball teams)
• Education: Salem College (basketball, Athletic Hall of Fame)
• Occupation: manager, State Farm Insurance Co (40 yrs)
• Residence: Bridgeport, Harrison Co, WV
• Census: 1930, West Union District, Doddridge Co, WV
• Census: 1940, Snowbird (Smithburg), Doddridge Co, WV

Notes:

John Bruce Christie Sr., 86, of Maplewood Drive, Bridgeport, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, in United Hospital Center.
Mr. Christie was agency manager for State Farm Insurance Companies for 40 years, where he hired and trained State Farm agents in northern West Virginia.

He was born in Smithburg on May 7, 1921, and was a son of the late Frank Burton and Hattie Virginia Stoneking Christie. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou Curtis Christie, whom he married May 25, 1940, and who preceded him in death on February 27, 1999.

Surviving are three sons, John B. Christie II and his wife, Debbie, of Morgantown, James R. Christie and his wife, Misty, of Bridgeport and Michael C. ?Luke? Christie and his wife, Bridget, of Berkeley Springs; five daughters, Jeanne Warner and her husband, Boyd, of Lake Floyd, Susan McConnell and her husband, Howard, of Erie, Pa., Mary Ann Kroll and her husband, Michael, of Philippi, Elizabeth ?Betsy? Shantz and her husband, Greg, of Morgantown, Pa., and Martha Lou Cain and her husband, Randy, of Quiet Dell; one daughter-in-law, Susan Fox Christie of Cleveland, Ohio; 25 grandchildren, Boyd Warner, Amberly Warner Wait, Todd Warner, Bobby Warner, Jennifer Christie Daskalos, Laura Christie, John B. Christie III, David Christie, Molly Christie, Travis Christie, Christie McConnell Greer, Katie McConnell Campsey, John McConnell, Tracy Christie Price, James R. Christie II, Zachary Christie, Alexa Baker, Jordon Baker, Alison Kroll Mercer, Denise Kroll Matheny, Gregory Shantz, Amy Shantz, Emma Christie, Bethany Cain and Emily Cain; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Christie was the last surviving member of his immediate family, having been preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

Mr. Christie was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Mr. Christie was also a member of the Clarksburg Exchange Club, Clarksburg Lodge 482 BPO Elks, the Lake Floyd Club, Salem College Board of Trustees for many years, Clarksburg Zoning and Planning Board for over 30 years and was an avid golfer and a former member of Sunny Croft Golf Course. He was also a member of Herman Lodge 6 AF&AM, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason with membership in both Clarksburg and Wheeling bodies and member of the Nemesis Shrine of Parkersburg. He was also a member of the Clown Unit of the Shrine.

Mr. Christie was born and grew up on a small farm in Smithburg in Doddridge County. He was captain of the basketball and football teams at Doddridge County High School and was a four-year starter on the Salem College basketball team, as well as coaching one year. Other honors include Salem College Alumnus of the Year and induction into the Salem College Athletic Hall of Fame. As a freshman, he met Mary Lou, a senior cheerleader, and they were married while in college. During World War II, Mr. Christie served in the U.S. Marine Corps, playing on the USMC National basketball team. He returned to Clarksburg, beginning his career with State Farm Insurance where he excelled as a top manager for 40 years. Known as ?Mr. Wonderful? by his State Farm associates, he was responsible for introducing approximately 200 people to their careers with State Farm, and members of the Christie family made up four generations of State Farm Associates. Mr. Christie had traveled all over the world, making friends wherever he went. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was extremely proud of his family and achievements.

Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, and from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Davis Funeral Home, One Olen Thomas Drive, Rt. 98, Clarksburg.

Mr. Christie will be taken to the First United Methodist Church, where friends may call one hour prior to the service, which will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Reverend Gary Shepard officiating. Interment will be in Bridgeport Cemetery.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.mem.com.

Davis Funeral Home, Clarksburg, is in charge of arrangements.

John married Mary Lou CURTIS 25 May 1940. Mary was born 9 Dec 1918; died 27 Feb 1999; was buried , Bridgeport Cemetery, Bridgeport, Harrison Co, WV. [Group Sheet]