John Bruce Tinker

ASHEBORO — John Bruce Tinkler, age 81, of Asheboro passed away on March 16, 2023, at the Randolph Hospice House.

Tinkler was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on Nov. 12, 1941, to John and Gladys Kelley Tinkler, who preceded him in death. He was raised and graduated from high school in Cliffside, North Carolina.

Bruce was a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history in 1963, and later returned to receive his degree in pharmacy in 1967. He was employed as a pharmacist with Revco/CVS Pharmacy in Asheboro for more than 40 years and took pleasure from serving others through his profession. 

Bruce was a true Southern gentleman who always remained a calm voice of reason and navigated life’s challenges with patience, kindness and humor. He was an avid tennis player in his younger years and later enjoyed playing golf. Bruce was a diehard Tar Heel fan and for many years participated in shag dancing events at the beach.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Routh Tinkler; daughter, Kelly Shipley (Curtis) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Finn, Georgia, Mac, and Piper Shipley; and Linda’s cousin, George Richard “Buster” Ward.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 505 Mountain Road, Asheboro, with Father Joe Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Parish Hall.

Memorials may be made to:

 — The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Endowment Fund, 505 Mountain Road, Asheboro, NC 27205.

— Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Tinkler family.