Vincent Glen Bryce, 45, of Waco, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at his residence.
Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
The sun rose on a world shrouded in sadness June 16th when Vincent Glen Bryce left us to embark on his next great adventure. The world lost a truly unique and caring individual. We’ll miss you, sweet son, brother, partner, grandson, nephew, cousin, godfather, friend. Your mark on this world and those fortunate enough to know you is indelible.
Always clad in black, his happy, boisterous greetings brought a smile to even the grumpiest face. You couldn’t help but join him in his uncontrolled laughter, even if you hadn’t heard the joke. Head thrown back, Vince was love, talent, friendship,fun, and irreverence at 100 mph.
Vincent was passionate about his friends, teaching, and music. He was a contagiously happy man who truly cared about people. Wherever Vince was, you knew that’s where the “hippest cats,” as he loved to call his friends and legions of fans, were gathered. He was unbridled joyand knew no enemies. To Vincent, there was no difference between friends and family. Once you befriended Vince, you were a friend for life.
Vincent always had a clear vision of who he was and what he wanted in life. A child prodigy, hebegan playing bass at the tender age of 11,was a member of the Galveston Symphony by age 14, and played in the Houston Youth Symphony around this time as well.He was a virtuoso whose musical interests and talents knew no bounds. Vincent was an All-State musician all four years of high school. Upon graduating, he received a full scholarship to Baylor University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s in Music with a concentration in Composition and Performance.
From Mozart to Motorhead, Vincent loved it, learned it, mastered it. He played across Texas, the country, and the world with a number of bands and orchestras — the Waco Symphony, the Temple Symphony Orchestra, the Temple Jazz Orchestra, $5 Shake, Hell’s Grim Tyrant, Booty and the HoFish, The Drinks, and most recently The Grunge, among many others — always delivering impeccable and entertaining performances. For 20 years, he delivered delicious basslines at Baylor’s famed “Sing.” In addition, Vincent taught bass at Baylor University and Temple College. He loved to teach,and inspired several nieces and nephews to play bass.
His loved ones and the music community across Central Texas and beyond are devastated to no longer enjoy his massive personality, generosity, tender heart, and enormous talent.The world is a far better, kinder, happier, and funkier place for having had you. Rock on, you crazy diamond. Rock on.
He was preceded in death by stepfather, Rick Meneley; uncle, Eric May; uncle, Donald Bryce; nephew, Jaden McGoo; niece, Melody Quezada; stepsister, DeAnna Meneley; and stepbrother, Eric Meneley.
Vincent is survived by his life partner, Shannon Hill; mother, April Meneley; father Stanley Bryce; grandmother, Carol May; sister, Harmony Bryce; sister, Melody Phung (and husband Minh Phung); sister, Tiffany Snow (and husband Bruce Snow); sister, Kristin Bryce (and husband Zackery Larue); sister, Roxanne Meneley; stepbrother, Kevin Meneley (and wife Ashley Meneley); stepsister, Kariy Maynard (and husband Matthew Maynard); stepbrother Richard Meneley (and wife Lori Meneley); uncle, Philip May; aunt, Melody May; uncle, Steve Bryce; aunt Alysia Baker; uncle, Michael Bryce,; uncle, Brandon Bryce, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as lifelong friends, Joshua Sherline (with godson) and Mark Glasner.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I was so shocked to hear of your passing. May you fly high with the angels Vincent. You were an amazing soul.
Love ya Shannon, sorry for your loss. It is a big one.
I am still in shock. Vince played many times at my bar and I always looked forward to seeing him. You knew it meant a night of great music and belly laughs. Funny and talented he was one of a kind. He will be dearly missed.
Our love and prayers are you with and your family during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences.
This was a great tribute for a great man. So much joy. I wish I had had the chance to know you longer. Sending all my love! You will be missed by many Vince. Rock on my friend!
I am so very sad. There just aren’t any words. My heart goes out to everyone and especially
Vincent’s dear mother – my so very dear friend. Sending love.
My husband and I befriended Vince one time during a performance break with Dave Wild Trio. Such a fun, talented and entertaining guy.
We are truly sorry for your loss and pray that you find peace by listening to music he enjoyed.
Ray & Sara Lenart
Vince, was such a talented and infectious person, with his boisterous laugh and that smile. He gave big caring hugs. I cannot believe he is gone so soon! I guess heaven needed his music more than those of us on earth! Play on my friend! I can’t wait to hear you play again when we are together again in that big music stage in the sky! Love ya man! God bless Sharron and all those who knew and loved you!
Mary Griffin
Marcia & I—along w/ALL—have lost a dear, fun-loving, genuine friend. Vince’s endearing smile was sunshine on a rainy day—it brightened the soul & warmed the heart. His hearty laugh just told you that all was right in his world. We truly are better people for having known Vince—both as a friend & as a musician—& consider ourselves blessed for having him a part of our lives. No gig—nor bass— will be the same w/o him. No doubt that “God gave us memories, so that we’d have roses in winter.” Vince’s “rose” will warm our hearts throughout our lives, & help fill the void that we now feel. A true friend, a jazz great, & a loving, caring soul to all! Bless you, Vince, & “thanks for the memories!”
Sincerest condolences to all and especially my friend Shannon! A huge loss to so many. A friend I wanted to spend so much more time playing and hanging with.
Vince, I will cherish each and every memory. I’ll miss our times together in the pit and our meal breaks at Fazoli’s. I’m going to miss you tearing up that red bass slung way down low. I’ll miss the easy conversations over anything music from Danzig to Duke to Debussy. I can’t believe you left so soon, brother. Now you are on to that great gig in the sky and your legend carries on. Until we meet again old friend – rest easy, Vince.
All of our prayers April.
Actually, reading about Vince’s life showed me just how me just how much he and our middle son are so much alike musically speaking. Ryan (32) had a
full music scholarship at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette playing the bass trombone. He ended up transferring to the The University of North Texas where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
I’m am sure that Ryan would have absolutely loved to have known Vince.
May God bless you and watch over you and yours.
Keith & Marlene Swearingen
I’m still in a state of shock over this. Vince was one of the most unique individuals I have ever met. I’m thankful for the many opportunities we had to make music together. I will miss you!
So many great memories of Vince. From shows at numerous venues to the infamous Halloween parties, Vince was always so much fun to be around. What I miss the most though are the times I’d walk over to feed the cats and Vince would come out in his bathrobe and we’d just sit and talk on the porch. Deep conversations one day, zany stories the next time, and other times we’d just sit and not even need to talk.
We will miss you dearly Vince. Your contagious smile and laughter that filled a room. Prayers to Shannon and family. Fly high my friend ❤
Vincent was one of the kindest; sweetest; and fun-loving person I had the honor of knowing. We have been to many of his family gatherings over the years and he certainly brought the fun. One of his greatest gifts besides music was his storytelling. We enjoyed all those stories of his childhood, etc.. and all the trouble he or his sisters would get into playing outdoors. He was simply a wonderful person and he will be missed.
Vince was the best bassist I have every known. He could play anything in any style. But he was so much more. Teacher, friend, and so very kind. He always took time to say hello to my disabled husband who come with me to symphony rehearsals. His talent was huge as was his love of life. He always made a rehearsal or performance more fun. We will really miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. So shocked by this news. He was so fun to be around and to work with. You knew you’d enjoy a gig that much more when you saw him there or knew he’d be there, too. Such a wonderful talent and human being.