P/R/C George A. Bruner Jr., 93, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on April 1, 2026. He was preceded by his wife Joyce, of 60 years, sister Barbara (James) Chilton, grandson Jacob Parrish, and beloved dog Sassy. He is survived by his children Tim (Sheri) Bruner, daughter Kelly (Rick) Parrish, grandson Chris Bruner, granddaughter Lauren (Ryan) Kurdi, sister Marion (Dinky) Everett, caregiver Tammy Mocanu, and numerous friends including Betty Williams.
George was a graduate of John Marshall High School and the University of Richmond. He authored several award-winning published books including “Celebrating 100 Years, A Journey of Faith,” “The Byrd Theatre,” and “St. Joseph’s Villa.” George was an authority and speaker on early Catholicism in Richmond and writer of works related to Richmond history and structures. He served as a docent for Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. He retired as a manager for Bell Atlantic (Verizon) in 1988. He then founded and was president of Bruner and Associates, an association management and meeting planning company. He was a certified member of Meeting Professionals International. He served as an executive director of Virginia’s Corn Growers and Mason-Dixon Truck Stop Associations.
He was a past commander of Richmond Sail & Power Squadron, rear commander of the United States Power Squadrons, past commander of American Legion Post 354, and co-chair of the James River Advisory Council. He was active as a member of the Kanawha Canal Restoration Committee, Saints and Sinners of America, Knights of Columbus Council 11710, Richmond Flood Wall Dedication Committee, and Chairman of the Virginia Boating Advisory Commission appointed by Governors Dalton and Robb. George was a patron of Civitan and SOAR 365, organizations serving people with developmental disabilities. He was a former licensed local NASCAR stock car driver in the 1950s and raced at Royal Speedway, Moore’s Speedway, Virginia Fairgrounds, Route Two Speedway, Dinwiddie Speedway, and Zion’s Crossing Speedway. He was an avid boater cruising and participating on navigation contests on the Chesapeake Bay and most Virginia rivers and lakes. He was appointed to numerous state committees related to recreational boating.
