Obituary
Guest Book
Richard E. Brunson Sr., who served his country for 22 years and his family for more than half a century, died Tuesday, April 29, at his home in Orlando. He was 76. The cause was an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Brunson had just dropped off his wife of 53 years, Jo, at Pershing Elementary School where she was a retired school teacher and still volunteers twice weekly, tutoring students and assisting teachers. He returned to their home nearby to do some work in his office when he collapsed.
Together, their lives were melded by a common bond of service to their family and community. Both lived in the Conway area of south Orlando for most of their lives.
Mr. Brunson was a retired Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a military police officer and a personnel officer. In retirement, he was an insurance agent and mortgage broker and served as president of his neighborhood homeowners association. His wife was an Orange County Public School teacher for 21 years. Together they raised a family consisting of two sons: Rick, a journalism instructor at the University of Central Florida, and Michael, also an Air Force veteran and a sales director at Disney Vacation Club.
Mr. Brunson was born April 13, 1938, in Charleston, South Carolina, where he attended Chicora High School. He joined the Air Force in 1957 right after high school and was soon sent to his first duty station, Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa, Japan.
After he returned to the States, he met and married the former Jo Savary in 1959 while he was stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina. They married in Charleston on Halloween night while he was on a three-day leave.
The Brunsons moved to Central Florida in 1964 when he was sent to McCoy Air Force Base, south of Orlando. The City Beautiful became “home base,’’ the place he and his family would return after calls of duty at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and at airbases in Canada, Missouri and Nebraska. During the Vietnam War, Mr. Brunson was stationed at Utapao Air Base in Thailand.
He retired from active duty in 1979 at Strategic Air Command headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska.
He returned to Orlando and joined Liberty National Life Insurance Company, from which he eventually retired for a second time in 1998.
In retirement, Mr. Brunson returned to school, earning an associate in arts degree from Valencia Community College. He also focused on helping his wife in her role as a public school teacher at Pershing Elementary, where he also served on the School Advisory Committee and did everything from chaperoning field trips to serving as the school’s interim janitor.
A devoutly religious man, Mr. Brunson’s life philosophy was summed up in the words of St. Paul in Romans 12 of the New Testament: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment … We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. … Love sincerely, hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Honor one another above yourselves. ... Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of a low position. Do not be conceited.’’
In addition to his career and family, Mr. Brunson’s interests included shooting sports, fishing and general tinkering. He fancied himself a handy man and could fix nearly anything. In his later years, he gained an intense interest in the art of barbecue, experimenting with various grills, smokers, meats and sauces, to the delight of his family.
In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his brother, Robert A. Brunson of Charleston; sisters, Mary Brinson, Roberta Combs and Patricia Brunson, all of Charleston. His grandchildren include Stephanie Brunson, Adam Brunson and Tiffanie Brunson, all of Orlando, and Rachel Miller and her husband, Army Spc. Ray Miller of Savannah, Georgia. He also is survived by daughters-in-law Ruthe Brunson and Jan Brunson of Orlando, as well as numerous other in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 6, 2014
The Patrick Main Store will deeply miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and familiy. we know that you are in Heaven joking with the Angels. We love you and Jo.
Love, Lavern and the Patrick Main Store family
May 5, 2014
Suzanne Anderson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today,We loved Gene very much.
He is in a greater place, Heaven,
We love you all,
Davey,Suzanne,Mark and Lauren
May 5, 2014
Dan and Sherrie Mazurek
Truly a man of God who was constant in all his ways because he acknowledge Him. Is how I will always remember him. Prayers for all family from Sherrie and I
May 4, 2014
Misty Durnell
We are praying for your whole family! We loved Richard so much and can't imagine the pain you are feelings. Let us know if you need anything! Misty and COTLE
May 4, 2014
Jay and Suzy Shafer
Rick,
Our heartfelt love and prayers go forth for you and your entire family. Just knowing you, I know your father was a great man and truly heaven is rejoicing at his homecoming.
May 3, 2014
Joyce Jackson
Sister Jo, I was deeply saddened to hear of Brother Richard home going. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. COTLE
May 3, 2014
Richard & Ruth Mercado
Always remember this model couple sitting at the front
Very peaceful exemplary brother in The Lord
You will greatly be missed
My prayers with the family
May 2, 2014
Betty Humphrey
To Jo and the Brunson family near and far. Just know that my heart and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow and always. Let your comfort be in knowing that you're loved and cared for by many who knew you and Richard. I would refer to Richard as; "My Big Brother” from another mother.
He will truly be missed.
May 2, 2014
Claudia Thomas
Jo, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. I always looked forward to seeing you and Richard come up for Communion on Sunday morning. He will be missed but not forgotten and we will see him again. Cherish your memories.
May 2, 2014
Cassandra Frazier
My prayers and deepest sympathies to the Brunson family. I remember seeing this lovely couple at church over the years and they were truly nice, caring God-fearing people. God bless.
May 2, 2014
Sonya Deese-Byrnes
Mike,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May 2, 2014
Betsy Russell
May The Lord bless the family with his peace and give you comfort. Deepest sympathy.
COTLE member
May 2, 2014
Bill & Ruth Merz
Keeping the entire Brunson family in our thoughts and prayers. There was just something special about Richard. I had a connection with him and always enjoyed our brief conversations at COTLE. He always knew what to say and when to say it to encourage me. I will miss those encounters and cherish the memory of a great man and mentor.
May 1, 2014
Pamela Wisner
Blessings to you and your sweet family. What an awesome tribute to an amazing man.
May 1, 2014
Tatianna Mutisya
Mike, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please remember the fun times that made you smile and these tough times will seem like a slice of pie. Praying for you, Tatianna Mutisya
May 1, 2014
Jessica Cook
I only knew him for a few years- but the time I did know him will never be forgotten. He was a constant ray of sunshine , and made a huge impact on my life as well as many others that I know. I am truly saddened by this , and for all of his family and friends; my most sincere condolences. How honored God must feel to have you at home with him now.
May 1, 2014
Patsy wiley
Heaven' s gain is our lose. He will be missed.
May 1, 2014
Michele Combs, niece
Jo, Rick, Ruthe, Jody and Jan. We love you and are praying for you guys. Uncle Gene was such an influence on all of us. The Brunson clan will miss him dearly. Big hugs from your Charleston family!??
May 1, 2014
Sue Allison Wincey
Jan and family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness. Hold on to each other, and the beautiful knowledge that we all will be re-united again Praise God!
May 1, 2014
Caitlin Barrett
Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are prayers are with you & your family.
May 1, 2014
May this light guide you on your way to our Lord. Thank you for everything.
April 30, 2014
Carolyn Jung
Words cannot express my sadness at your loss. My prayers are with you and your entire family.
April 30, 2014
Rachel Banning
Uncle Gene you will be missed. What a legacy you have left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family, may God give you peace in your time of sorrow.
April 30, 2014
Janelle Abell
Jo, Ricky, Jody, and your families, The memories will live forever. You all are in my heart and prayers. Gene will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Love you all, Janelle
April 30, 2014
Janelle Abell
Jo, Ricky, Jody, and your families, The memories will live forever. You all are in my heart and prayers. Gene will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Love you all, Janelle
April 30, 2014
Christopher Yates
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We love you guys.
Chris & Bev
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