Donald R Bruner Sr.

Don was the husband of Carolyn Courtney Bruner for over 67 years. They were married July 19, 1957. He was the son of the late Wilburn T. Bruner, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Reeves.

Don is survived by his children, Donald R. Bruner, Jr., Bonnie B. Kyzer (Russell), and Mitchell W. Bruner (Miriam); brother, Wilburn T. “Thad” Bruner, Jr. (Brenda); granddaughters, Merri Caroline Preusser (Jonathan), Alec Rucker (Jason), and Cyndal Sweet (Nate); great-granddaughter, Hayden Remi Preusser and great-grandson, Carson Dale Rucker.

He was predeceased by his beloved Carolyn; sister, Nancy Bruner Lowman; and lifelong nanny, Daisy Wise.

Don was a 1952 graduate of Lexington High School. He volunteered for the Army in 1953, spending 23 months in Germany. Upon his return from service, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He then worked for “The Dispatch News,” the local Lexington newspaper owned by his father and mother.

In 1972, with the help of his brother Thad and uncle Douglas Bruner, Sr., Bruner Publishing Company was established. The company operated for 46 years.

One of his favorite pastimes was fishing, whether in a local pond, Lake Murray or the ocean. After that, came his love of gardening and sharing the bounty with those he loved.

He was a member of East Side Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.

At Don’s request, his body was donated to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at East Side Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.