Thomas "Tom" Bruner

Tom was born on May 30th, 1918, in Covington, Kentucky, the first of two sons of Bess Munster and George Bruner.

He attended Williams College and graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where he met the love of his life, Jean Ann Clark ("Clarkie"), daughter of Roy G. and Emma Clark. They shared 74 years of devoted marriage until her death in 2016.

He and Jean moved from their native Cincinnati to Atlanta, Georgia, in the 1940's, where they raised their three sons, Craig, Robert, and John Bruner.

Tom founded and then retired from the Bruner Insurance Agency in Atlanta, culminating a 60 plus year career as an insurance professional in which he worked well into his 80's. He always maintained that late retirement keeps one happy and healthy.

Prior to his move to Greenville in 2013 to be closer to his family, he was a proud resident of an old downtown Atlanta neighborhood for nearly 70 years. He and his dear Jean loved the oasis of greenery of their neighborhood, the marvelous restaurants and arts scene within walking distance, and the lovely park right across the street where a park bench still bears their name.

Other than his family and friends, his life revolved around his church, Atlanta First United Methodist, where he served in many capacities over many decades, including Trustee and Chairman of the Administrative Board. He and Jean also enjoyed traveling to experience other people and cultures. Along with friends, they visited over 35 countries and 6 continents.

As a nationally ranked tennis player in his younger days, he was too humble to admit that he had competed against three opponents who would eventually go on to become champions at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. He was a loyal supporter of numerous charitable causes and was fascinated with Wall Street, the Kennedy's, the British Royal Family, collecting rare books, stamps, and coins, and he particularly loved his evening Kentucky bourbon, though never more than one glass.

Tom was predeceased by his wife Jean, his son Craig and his wife Marene, his son Bob, and his brother, Richard Bruner. He leaves behind a son John and his wife Jarrell LaGrone Bruner of Greenville, four grandchildren, Carlton Bruner, Bethany Bruner Griffin (Bill), Clark Bruner Lee (JP), and Martha Bruner Collins (Mark), and nine fun great- grandchildren, Cohen, Skylar, Campbell, Clark, Katherine, Patrick, Thomas, Emma, and Tillman.

His family will miss him, his intelligence, wit, and great laugh, but he will always be remembered for the way he lived a life full of good-natured joy and humility.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at the Sepulchre Wall at Christ Church Episcopal, August 4 at 2:30 P.M. Memorials can be made to Atlanta First United Methodist Church, Christ Church Episcopal of Greenville, or a charity of one's choice.