Bruce E. Hall, 77, passed away Nov. 16, 2024 while under the care of Hospice of the Panhandle. Born March 24, 1947 in Charleston, WV, he was the only child of the late Freda and James “Herb” Hall. Growing up in Charleston, Bruce displayed his talent for, and interest in, motor vehicles early, winning a championship at age 9 with his midget race car, and later racing snowmobiles, drag racers and go-karts. He was also a Boy Scout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in his teens, and loved animals, especially his ever-present dogs and his boyhood pet groundhog, Woody.

After graduating from Charleston High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from WV Institute of Technology in Montgomery, WV. Bruce’s continued interest in cars and his mechanical knowledge prompted him to start his own collector car restoration business. Trailering finished cars to and from various show venues led him in 1998 to establish the successful company Applewood Motorcar Transport, which moved antique, classic, custom, and exotic cars all over the Eastern U.S. He was a well-known Lamborghini transporter in the industry.

Even though his work put him in contact with cars daily, Bruce still loved to spend his leisure time involved in car-related activities. You could frequently find him at car shows of any kind, from a prestigious Concours d’Elegance to a local show in the high school parking lot.  Sometimes he was presenting customers’ autos and he was always in his element, happily “talking cars” with fellow enthusiasts.

Bruce was a member of Boy Scout Troop #47, Charleston, WV; Masonic Grand Lodge of Maryland, A.F. & A.M.; and Masonic Lodge #192, Oakland, MD. He was Past Worthy Patron of Walter Chapter #145, Order of the Eastern Star, Davis, WV; a current member of Shenandoah Region, Antique Automobile Club of America, Winchester, VA, and was a faithful attendee of the old car guys’ Thursday breakfast group at The Dining Room in Inwood, WV.

Bruce was outgoing, funny, and smart. He had an inspiringly strong work ethic, a soft spot for all dogs and babies, and never met a stranger. He was a terrific good-will ambassador for the car hobby and for his dearly loved West Virginia. Bruce was an unrivaled expert in WV trivia that challenged his audience while he entertained them with stories to fit every situation. Of course, he was a devoted fan of the WVU Mountaineers and NASCAR. Bruce will be forever missed by his family and by the many friends he made everywhere he went.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 45 years, Judi Edgell Hall, whom he married Jan.19, 1979; daughter Kelly Hall Middleton (Brian); son Matthew Hall; stepson Aaron Lee Dean; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, the extremely close-knit Conner cousins, who all grew up with him: Dick Martin, Butch Conner, Ellen Martin Shields, Wayne Conner, and Lois Ann Stanton; brothers-in-law Col. Gary Edgell, former WV Sen. Larry Edgell (Ceci), and Dr. Wally Edgell; several nieces and nephews; and his canine little buddy, Lambo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandson Dillon Dean, and sister-in-law Karen Edgell.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Brian and Kelly Middleton’s farm in Charles Town, WV. Details to be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bruce’s memory to Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (online https://hospiceotp.org) ; or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607 (online https://donate.lovetotherescue.org); or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (online https://stjude.org)