Honoring Our Faithful Friend: Brad Trucksis (Obituary)

William Bradfield “Brad” Trucksis, age 71, passed into his heavenly home on September 9, 2024, due to an accident at his home in Indian Hill, Ohio. The most important aspect of Brad’s life was his faith in Jesus Christ, a vibrant and active faith, which led him to serve in many ways during his life. He was grateful for everyone he met, whether the mailman, a lifelong friend, or a new acquaintance. Brad lived each day with assurance that God was in control and providing each step of the way.

Brad and his wife, Linda, the love of his life for 40 years of marriage, cherished every minute together. They remembered with thanksgiving their shared life over a celebratory dinner just one evening before his passing. Brad and Linda were involved members of Montgomery Community Church, Montgomery, Ohio. They also regularly attended King’s Cross Church, Nashville, TN, where their son-in-law serves as lead pastor. From growing up as neighbors in Worthington, Ohio, to their early days of marriage in Connecticut, they always enjoyed spending time in nature and being active outdoors.

The greatest gifts in Brad’s life were his family. He was unbelievably proud of his two daughters, both graduates of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. Anyone who met Brad saw his great affection for them and the joy in his eyes when he spoke of his daughters. In the last few years, Brad became a grandfather, called “Pop Pop” by his two grandchildren, who adored him. The week before his passing, Brad celebrated his grandson’s second birthday by surprising him with a children’s John Deere tractor, something for which they shared a mutual affection.

Brad was born and raised in Worthington, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. He attended Worthington High School, graduating in 1971. His passionate approach to life began early when he proudly became an Eagle Scout, broke high school records running track and cross county, sang in the Glee Club, and performed in musicals.

After high school, Brad attended Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), graduating in 1975. While at Miami, Brad ran track, was in ROTC (Navy), and was a dedicated member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His Beta brothers were true brothers, and he cherished their friendship. Brad served on the Miami Alumni Board, served on the Miami University Student Foundation (MSUF), co-chaired a MUSF reunion in June 2024, served as a mentor for current Beta members as they prepared for the workforce, and was integral to the restoration of the historic Beta house in 2018. Brad remembered fondly his Beta cycling team that won Miami’s 20/20 Bike Race.

Upon graduating, Brad worked in sales for Richardson-Vicks, Inc. Managing a region and a sales force became his work passion. In 1987, Richardson-Vicks was purchased by Proctor & Gamble. Brad was one of the first sales team members to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio, the P&G Global Headquarters. The next 25 years with P&G included many opportunities, accomplishments, and friendships. Brad valued the countless people involved throughout his career at P&G.

After retiring from P&G in 2012, Brad began consulting for P&G, Hershey, General Mills, and other corporations, working globally to bring new products to market. Two clients that brought Brad a great deal of joy and friendship were FSKorea, located in South Korea, and Nest-Filler PKG, based in California.

Brad’s Christian faith led him to serve in various roles throughout his life. City Gospel Mission (CGM) was his most recent mission field, where he served as Board Chair for six years until May 2024, when he completed ten years of service on the board. Brad valued the two life-changing cycling trips he took through CGM with teens from Cincinnati to Niagara Falls and back.

Whether working, volunteering, or enjoying pastimes, Brad exuded joy and abundance. His beloved family knew him as the jovial, thoughtful, engaged man he was. Brad made the most of every day, encouraging and inspiring many along his travels. He loved and was loved.

Brad is survived by his wife, Linda (Latimer); daughters Sarah Trucksis and Lindsay (Taylor) Combs; brother, Rob (Jeanette); sister-in-law Sally Latimer; and grandchildren Lydia and Everett Combs. Preceding Brad in death are his parents Jane and Will Trucksis, sister Peggie, and mother- and father-in-law Betty and Warren Latimer.

A visitation service will be held at Montgomery Community Church on Friday, September 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 28, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow the memorial service to celebrate Brad’s life.

Donations to honor Brad’s life can be made to City Gospel Mission, the Miami chapter of Beta Theta Pi, or Montgomery Community Church.