of Memphis, TN
January 13, 1977 - July 31, 2021
Bruce Bui, 44, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He was born January 13, 1977, to his father, An Vinh Bui and his mother, Ha Ai Hang, in Vietnam. In 1985 Bruce and his Family immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his parents; his loving husband, Greg Hammond; his brother, Tommy Vinh Bui; his sister, Tien Vinh Bui Jenkins; his niece, Oliva Mai Jenkins; and his chosen family of many friends and coworkers.
Bruce graduated from California Lutheran University in 1999, with a Bachelor's of Arts degree with a drama major, and a communication arts minor, with a specialization in technical theater. While attending the University, Bruce worked in the costume shop for the inaugural season for Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, for which he returned many summers through their 20th anniversary season in 2016. After working as a freelance costume designer in Los Angeles for two years, Bruce moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to work for Ballet Memphis, where he took on the role of Wardrobe Supervisor and Resident Costume Designer. In addition to Ballet Memphis Bruce also designed costumes for many Tennessee Shakespeare Company productions among others.
In addition to his costuming work, Bruce also enjoyed acting, having performed with Emerald Theater Company, The Break-Up Show, and Friends of Georges.
A Memorial Service will be held at Ballet Memphis, 2144 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, dates and time pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests for you to make memorial donations to the Friends of George's Theatre Company (friendsofgeorges.org/product/donation), Ballet Memphis (balletmemphis.org/give), or a charity of your choice.
Bruce, you will always be in our hearts. Thank you for bringing life and joy everywhere you went. CLU wouldn't have been the same without you! I could always count on you for a bit of respite and fun. I love you and will always remember you, friend. Greg, my heart is with you. ❤️
Irreplaceable, joyful, a light in the Memphis community, Bruce will always be remembered with fondness and love. Greg, we are thinking of you every day.
❤
I miss your jokes, your smile and your words of encouragement. You will forever be in my heart. ' ' ' '
Bruce was one of the people that you would remember always. May you rest in peace.
Bruce's beautiful and radiant light in this world will be terribly missed.
Grateful for your beautiful heart and passionate vision and most importantly for helping our young boy look the part of one of the best Party Boys ever. Rest In Peace.
The world won't be the same without Bruce. Sending love and light to his family and friends.
Although I did not know Bruce personally, I was "friends of friends" and through our mutual friends I felt I knew him. The news came as a total shock to me. He will be greatly missed.
It will be easy to hold on to the memories of the grace and selflessness of this man for all who had the privilege of knowing Bruce.
I don't have any good words. Bruce will be missed dearly. Love to Greg.
R.I.P. - Bruce! Heaven has gained an angel, it's apparent you have touched so many lives, you will not be forgotten but dearly missed. Fly high my friend… Much love to your family and husband.
I still can't find the right words and it's been a week. Just know you were a loved by so many. My heart goes out to Greg as well as all who are grieving the loss of you. Float high Master of Chiffon. "
A beautiful soul. Rest In Peace
Bruce has left this Earthly life but his soul lives on. The end of this life is the beginning of the next. "In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" -John 14:2. We are sad for our loss but be comforted in that Bruce is in a good place. We will see him again.
Greg, his wings were ready but our hearts were not. My prayers are with you and Bruce's family.
I will always cherish our conversations in your front porch, and costume shop. You were a patient and wonderful friend. I miss you. Rest well BB.
It's been such a pleasure to watch the loving friendship of Greg, Bruce and my niece, Savannah Bearden and their very special close knit group. They have all become family. My heart is broken for you all. My condolences to Bruce's family. You gave us all such a gift in Bruce.
Wishing comfort to Greg and Bruce's loved ones. I hope Bruce's art continues to shine on stages for many years to come. Rest in Peace, Bruce.
Thank you for always such thoughtful questions, unique insight and tremendous curiosity.
We are heartbroken at the loss of this immensely talented, kind, young man. We send our love to Greg and to everyone who loved Bruce.
Bruce, you were amazing and you will be deeply missed. I'll always cherish the moments we had together and all the jokes we made about my traveling. I will continue to pray for you and friends and family. Rest in fabulousness.
May Light perpetual shine on thee.
My heart is heavy and always will be in your absence, our dear close friend and chosen family member, Bruce. My thoughts and prayers are with Greg and your other family members. May you rest in peace and I will cherish you in my memory forever, dear friend.
I will miss his infectious smile and huge heart. Never a harmful word out his mouth
Rest in peace Bruce.