Michael Aaron Bruner

Michael Aaron Bruner August 28, 1959 – August 30, 2025 Michael (Mike) Aaron Bruner, 66, of Powder Springs, Georgia, passed away on August 30, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on August 28, 1959, in Savannah, Georgia, Mike grew into a man who never met a stranger and had a gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. He was always ready to lend a hand or a meal to anyone in need. Mike's natural talent for fixing just about anything led him to a position at Foster & Kleiser, where he began as a mechanic. Over the years, he rose through the ranks-navigating company transitions and name changes-to become Vice President of Operations, a role that reflected his dedication, leadership, and deep knowledge in the field. He spent more than 30 years in outdoor advertising. True to his love of building and creating, Mike and his wife, Judy, designed and built their own camper from a cargo trailer, affectionately named the "Tramper." With it, in one of his proudest moments and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, they set off on an epic adventure to Alaska - what he called the "trip of a lifetime," a journey he treasured and spoke of often. Together, they stood in awe watching bears in the wild - an experience Mike cherished as a symbol of a life well lived. Outside of work and travel, Mike's heart was full of passions. His family remembers his love for cars, motorcycles, mechanics, road trips, family gatherings, and the mountains - especially the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains that always felt like home. Later in life, Mike also discovered a passion for cooking. He found joy in preparing meals for family and friends, often making extra just to share. Feeding others became one of the ways he showed his love. Whether it was fixing something in the garage, building something from scratch, or bringing food to someone's door, Mike showed his love through action, always eager to care for others in tangible ways. He also had a natural way of connecting with people. In one unforgettable story, Mike was pulled over for speeding, but instead of a ticket, he left with a warning - and a new friend. True to form, he later returned to that town to bring food to his newfound friend, because that was who he was. Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Judy Bruner; his children, Michael W. Bruner (Liz) and Caryn DiQuattro (Nathan); his stepchildren, Jaime Dowd and Jeremy Fields; and his grandchildren, Michael D. Bruner, Zachary Bruner, Brandon Bruner, Robert Nathan DiQuattro, Carrieanne DiQuattro, David Elijah DiQuattro, Isabella Grace DiQuattro, Jadilyn Fields-Ditzler (Adem), and Rozalyn Dowd. He is also survived by his siblings, Susie Thomas (Franklin) and Lloyd Bruner (Donna); his uncle, Lehman Earl Dowd (Pat); and his cousins, Cinnamon Dowd, Trudy Quick (Adam), Russ Dowd (Jessi), (Little) Roy Dowd, Keith Bruner, Kelly Bruner, along with several other beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, William Lawton Bruner; his mother, Valda Dowd Prince; his uncles, Roy Clinton Dowd, Hilton "Shot" Dowd, and James Dowd; his cousin, Gary Dowd; and other dear family members. Mike's warmth, humor, generosity, and love of life will be missed greatly by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in every shared meal, repaired engine, scenic drive, and story told around the table. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal service. He chose cremation, and a gathering will be held at a later date - with good food and good company - to honor the life of a man who gave so much to those he loved.