Rev. Bruce Carter Chavers was born in McDavid, FL on February 8, 1909 to Seaborn "Seab" William Chavers and Nancy "Nan" Elizabeth Brewton Chavers. Before receiving the call to preach, Bruce worked with his dad in the logging industry driving a team of oxen. He worked as a dairyman on his family's dairy farm. Later, he was one of the directors of Pensacola Area Dairy Herd Improvement Association.

Bruce and Gladys Lillian Etheridge Chavers were married November 18, 1924. From this union six children were born, 2 daughters; Ethel and Elsie and 4 sons; Mallory, Melvin, Raymond and Seaborn "Sebo". They also have many grandchildren.

There was always a passel of grandchildren around that Bruce and Gladys had a hand in rearing. Many of Bruce's grandchildren remember him as having a wonderful sense of humor, playful mannerism and unconditional love. To each grandchild a nickname was given by their Granddaddy. These nicknames included but not limited to, Muttonhead, Knucklehead, Hammerhead, Girly, Prissy, Funny Face and all were terms of endearment for his beloved grandchildren.

After receiving the call to preach, Bruce diligently studied the Bible and sought instruction from the Holy Spirit. His first pastorates include Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Bluff Springs, FL; Hilltop Baptist Church in Century, FL (no longer in existence); and Enon Baptist Church in Enon, FL. In January of 1963 he became the first Pastor of Ferry Pass Chapel Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL and to his credit in 1964 Ferry Pass Chapel was organized with 58 charter members. He also served as Pastor at the First Southern Baptist Church in Santa Barbara, CA; Moore Park Baptist Church in Moore Park, CA; at the Southern Baptist Convention in CA; and ended his career as Pastor back at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Bluff Springs, FL.

Everywhere Rev. Chavers preached he was beloved by his congregants and parishioners. In his later years, he developed bone spurs on his hips. These spurs made it painful to walk and carry on normal daily activities. Being devoted to his congregation; with a weak but determined heart and a desire to better serve his congregation; he decided to have hip replacement surgery. While in the hospital he developed several blood clots and died from those clots moving to his heart.

At the time this bio was written, nearly forty years have passed since Rev. Chavers went to meet his Heavenly Father and I still occasionally run into someone who knew him and will ask if I am related to the late Rev. Chavers. They tell me wonderful stories of his kindness, his sermons, his keen sense of humor and how much they loved him. Many of his grandchildren often muse fondly about having sat through his sermons, and singing in the choir.

Together Rev. Bruce Chavers and his wife Gladys leave behind a beautiful legacy with the family they created and the many souls that were touched through his ministry. He is and always will be dearly loved and sorely missed.

(Bio Credits: Bio written by Tina Adams Chavers. Ref sources include: Escambia Co. Heritage Vol. 2, Online research of Churches, Bruce Chavers & Marcella Wayne and many stories handed down from the Chavers' children and grandchildren)