Joseph Pressley Bruner

Joe was a one-of-a-kind soul who never met a stranger. He was always willing to help anyone in need and would do just about anything to make people laugh. His careers as a truck driver and ironworker brought him the challenges, risks, and adventures on which he thrived. Those who knew Joe could tell countless stories about him, and those memories will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends. It can truly be said that Joe lived and loved life to the fullest—and always in his own way.

Known as “Cowboy,” Joe spent many years behind the wheel of fast, decked-out “large cars.” Over the years, he hauled just about everything, including cars, produce, freight, and livestock. Of all the loads he hauled and miles he traveled, one of his greatest sources of pride was being known as a “Bull Hauler.”

Joe was also a proud ironworker whose work became part of some truly incredible structures. He was a member of the crew that constructed the iconic EPCOT ball, known as Spaceship Earth. He also worked on two of the largest steel projects at Cape Canaveral. He was part of the erection crews for the Lightning Protection System at Launch Complex 39B, which included three 605-foot towers, as well as the 405-foot Mobile Launch Tower for NASA’s Moon Rocket. When anyone asked Joe how he managed to get on the erection crew, he had a simple answer: “I’m Roy’s brother!”

After retirement brought a significant slowing down from the everyday life he had known, Joe’s love of the road, relationships, and cows gave way to another great love—his cats, both inside and outside. Before long, they became a regular topic of conversation and an important part of his daily life.

Joe leaves behind his spouse, Lynn; his children, Jennifer (Jimmy) and Joe (Margaret); his grandchildren, Ben, Delaney, and Nolan; his mother, Winnie J. Varble; his brother, Roy; his sisters, Melody and Carmy; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jay and Ella Bruner.

Rest in peace, Joe. You leave behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, love, and memories for your family and friends to carry with them. You will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved you, and you will be deeply missed.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Conway Funeral Home, 1413 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32807, on September 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Service of Remembrance at 1:00 p.m.