Bruce K. Haley, Jr.
Passed: June 30, 2026
Charleston, WV
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Bruce K. Haley, Jr.
Passed: June 30, 2026
Charleston, WV
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce K. Haley, Jr. on June 30, 2026.
Bruce was born August 31, 1946, to Bruce K. Haley, Sr. and Madelyn Melzar Haley of Charleston, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and late wife, Miryam.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Haley, daughter Samantha (Joshua) Lewis, granddaughter Erin Lewis, and his brother, Duncan Haley.
Bruce attended Charleston Catholic High School and University of Charleston, where he earned his CPA degree. He also served in the United States Air Force. For thirty years, he worked for Burdette Realty. Outside of his career, Bruce was a member of several groups, including the Charleston Writer’s Group, Charleston Camera Club, and National Association of Nature Photography (NANPA). He also served on the NANPA Foundation’s board.
Photography was Bruce’s favorite hobby. He specialized in landscape photography and has been featured at the WV State Capitol, Tamarack, and has pieces in the permanent collection at the WV Culture Center. He has also had numerous pieces displayed out of state.
Other pastimes like pinball, video games, and playing musical instruments kept Bruce young until the very end. He especially loved to play pinball and video games with his granddaughter.
Funeral service will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, West Virginia.
Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the NANPA Foundation. Bruce was passionate about encouraging young people to create art and see the world through different perspectives.
Please donate to: naturephotographyfoundation.org/donate or you may mail checks to Nature Photography Foundation, 263 Elm Street, North Bennington, VT 05267. Donations will be applied to support their youth initiatives.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
6 responses to Bruce K. Haley, Jr.
Jim Clark says:
July 8, 2026
Bruce served as my assistant during the workshops I led for the Great American Photography Weekends back in the 2000’s.
I first met Bruce when he attended one of the workshops I was leading for the conservation group The Mountain Institute. After peppering me with questions one morning during breakfast, he started hanging out, thirsty to learn more. Before long I was mentoring Bruce in his nature photography. He was more than willing and excited to tolerate my constant badgering.
Eventually the instructor/student relationship morphed into a close friendship eventually leading me to ask Bruce if he would assist me in my workshops.
For years, Bruce assisted me with my GAPW workshops, which became one of the most popular workshops GAPW offered. Bruce’s willingness to help others and inspire them to do even more with their photography was instrumental in the workshop’s success.
Bruce was in the forefront of creating abstract images through camera movement & digital editing, and he brought that energy and excitement for this creative form of photography to my workshop students. He had his own unique approach to photography, and he was so willing to share that with others, me included.
The most memorable moments for me were during the days prior to the workshops when we would be scouting locations and setting up the classrooms. So much fun, laughter, and friendship. I was so honored to have met Bruce and to share our love for photography with others.
Bill Lea says:
July 4, 2026
I am saddened to know that Bruce is no longer with us. He was always so kind to me — a gentle man in all ways. I loved his soft-spoken manner and I can hear his distinctive voice in my mind as I reflect upon him. Bruce will be missed by those of us who knew him. Liz, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I send my love to you and the entire family. Please take care. Sincerely, Bill
Bill Plunkett says:
July 3, 2026
I am very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. We served together on the NANPA board and he was a friend. He will be missed.
Margaret Moses Croft says:
July 2, 2026
A childhood friend, “Bik” and his little brother Duncan lived about a half block from us. We went to different schools, but I remember many fun times playing wiffle ball and other games on Kanawha Field. We used to watch fireworks and boat races on the riverbank close to where we lived. We all hung out on the big front porch of our home some nights. And one of the most fun memories was meeting up with Bik, Jimmy Don Carey and others to deliver papers in the wee hours. We would stay up and sneak out of the house to do this. Kind of crazy but we never did anything other than help the guys fold and deliver the newspapers. I was last in touch with Bik through Facebook messenger to let him know Jimmy Don had passed away and he shared some of the nicest memories on Jimmy Don’s memory page. I am grateful to have shared some of my childhood with Bik and to have been in touch with him last year. May this sweet friend now rest with the angels. Condolences to his family and friends.
Jerre Watkins says:
July 2, 2026
To Liz and family. I am so sorry to hear that Bruce has passed. He was a talented photographer. His enthusiasm for his art and life were contagious and inspirational. He will be missed by so many in the art community.