Robert Everett Bruns Sr.

Robert Everett Bruns Sr., 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, in Harrisonburg, Va. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Thornhill Whiddon Bruns, of Radford, Va.; and daughter, Alison B. Hughes, of Blacksburg, Va. He is survived by three children, Lt. Col. (Retired) Robert E. Bruns Jr., of Tampa, Fla., Jonathan C. Bruns, of Richmond, Va., and Jennifer B. Sowers, of Harrisonburg, Va.; eight grandchildren, Roy A. Hughes III, of Radford, Va., Ashley E. Bruns and Kaitlyn A. Bruns, of Tampa, Fla., Christopher W. Hughes, of Blacksburg, Va., T. Clay Sowers and Nan M. Sowers, of Harrisonburg, Va., Sophie M. Bruns and Henry C. Bruns, of Richmond, Va.; one great-grandchild, Riley A. Farris-Bruns, of Tampa, Fla.; two sons-in-law, Thomas M. Sowers, of Harrisonburg, Va., and Roy A. Hughes Jr., of Blacksburg, Va.; two daughters-in-law, Lorraine E. Bruns, of Tampa, Fla., and Blanche T. Bruns, of Richmond, Va.; two brothers, Harley B. Bruns and Richard C. Bruns, of Portland, Maine. He was born in Portland, Maine and a graduate of The University of Maine, Orono, Maine where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a World War II veteran and served in the United States Army and the Merchant Marines, but his proudest membership was being a member and elder of New Dublin Presbyterian Church of Dublin, Va. He began his professional career as President and Owner of Dublin Garment Company in Dublin, Va. where he worked for nearly 30 years. He and his family resided in Radford, Va. from the mid 60s until his retirement in 1991. Upon retirement, he lived on Claytor Lake for several years and remained in Virginia until his death.
He was a rare mix of poised Yankee and quintessential southern gentleman. A self-proclaimed recluse who couldn't stand to be alone, most everyone enjoyed being around him. Known for his generosity and kindness towards others, he was quick to compliment those around him often charming his friends and family members. His relationship with God and his family meant more to him than any accomplishment, agenda or cause. His passion for boating and the outdoors were shared with many of his family members. His many life lessons and acute business sense will be remembered and passed down for generations.
His memory may have failed him in his final months, but he never lost his faith in God nor the love for his family. A graveside service will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Thomasville, Ga. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bruns-Whiddon Endowed Scholarship, P.O. Box 6915, Radford, Va. 24142. Kyger Funeral Home and Crematory in Harrisonburg, Va. are in charge of arrangements.