Ralph H Brunson

Ralph H. Brunson 88, passed away on August 3rd 2013. He was born November 2, 1924 in Raleigh North Carolina to Victor and Sarah Brunson. He grew up on the Brunson family homestead in Columbia, South Carolina. After graduating high school, Ralph enlisted in the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and was designated as a Coxswain in the SeaBees. At that time, the SeaBees were less than 1 year old, so Ralph was one of the very first. He spent most of the War in the Marianas and Marshall Islands, including participating in the invasion of Guam. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of 2nd Class Boatswain’s Mate.

After the war, he returned home, attended and graduated from the University of South Carolina under the GI Bill. Ralph settled in Dallas, TX and joined VFW post 6796 and became a life member. Ralph became the Canteen Manager a couple of years later, and held that post until 2001. It was as the Post 6796 Canteen Manager for 39 years that he gained his reputation of honesty, integrity and comradeship. Over that time he chaired the District’s Veteran’s Day at the Fair program, and many other functions. Ralph Brunson was a legend in VFW District 3, and very well known throughout the Dept. of Texas. 2001 he became a recipient of the very prestigious J.T. Rutherford award. We believe he is the only recipient to never have been a VFW Commander at any level. Ralph was also known to many as the “bingo caller” at the VFW. He is survived by wife of 48 years Betty Brunson, Children: Victor Brunson and wife Lynna, Cheryl Barnes and husband Larry, Sandra Griffith and husband Paul, Mark Harris and wife Sue, Pat Harris, eleven grandchildren: Stacy, Brian, Brandon, Justin, Jessica, Mitch, Christina, Kelly, Keisha, Kiana, and Victoria and seven great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by: son Stephen Harris, brother Joseph Brunson, and sisters Victoria Stockton, and Anita Fischer.

Funeral services will be held August 8, 2013 10am at Grove Hill Funeral Home, Dallas TX followed by burial 12:30 pm at DFW National Cemetery Dallas, TX