Mr. John Robert "Red" Bruner, Sr.

John Robert “Red” Bruner, Sr., of Columbia, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2020 at the age of 90. He was born December 26, 1929, in Cheraw, SC. He was preceded in death by parents, Paul and Ione Mae (Bennett) Bruner, his beloved wife of 60 years, Cleo B. Bruner (2014); his son, John R. Bruner, Jr. (2015); siblings, Paul (1937) Charlie (2003), and infant sister (1933). Red was survived by daughters, Nancy (Ralph) Bourgoin and Donna (David) Dvorak; son, Paul (Mary) Bruner; grandchildren, Andrea Bourgoin, Kenny Chandler, and Bruce Long-Bruner; great-grandson, Ryker Chandler; sister-in-law Helen Whitaker; and eight paternal first cousins, Betty, Billie Margaret, Bonnie, Faye, Patsy, JoAnn, Mike and Ricky. On Labor Day 1934 Red, along with his two older brothers, Paul (8) and Charlie (6) arrived at Epworth Orphanage in Columbia where Red would call home until graduating from Dreher High School in 1951. Red was a member of Epworth’s baseball and football teams. Following his high school graduation, he joined the Navy. Upon his discharge he returned to Columbia and married Cleo J. Bayne on January 15, 1954. Red and Cleo purchased their first home August 1956 and lived there until each of their deaths. Red worked for National Nabisco, and then launched his own paint business, J.R. Bruner Paint Contractor. He painted many homes in and around Columbia for over 50 years. He was a member of the Columbia Chapter of the P.D.C.A and maintained his membership throughout his career serving as president 1975-76. Red along with his family have been members of Petersen Presbyterian Church since 1961. Red was the church treasurer for 25 years plus years, sang in the choir, and was the coach of the church’s softball team. Red and Cleo enjoyed Square Dancing (Tea Cup Chain Gang) as well as traveling and seeing the United States. He loved going to Minnesota in August for the State Fair, visiting his brother, Charlie in Florida, and trips to Cheraw to visit family. Red’s favorite football team since youth was the Gamecocks. He was not a “TV fan” and rarely missed a home or away game. Red always loved to tell stories of growing up at Epworth and all his Epworth “brothers and sisters” of which there were many and spending time at his church. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o’clock, Thursday, January 23rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The funeral service for Mr. Bruner will be conducted at 1 o’clock, Friday, January 24th, at Petersen Presbyterian Church, 8131 Brookfield Rd., Columbia, with the Rev. Jim Blackwelder and Rev. Patricia Sargent officiating. Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will also receive friends following the service at the home. Memorials preferred to: Petersen Presbyterian Church, Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205 or Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church “Cemetery Fund”, C/O 183 Ridge Road, Cheraw, SC 29520.

Tributes

Mr. John Robert "Red" Bruner, Sr.

December 26, 1929 - January 18, 2020