Robert Joseph (Joe) Bruister, Sr. 86, of Satsuma, Alabama passed away June 17th. He was born on October 7, 1939, to his parents Charles and Ruth Bruister. Joe was the second child of three of his parents' children.
Joe's parents moved to Satsuma in 1944. He attended first grade in the old white school building, which is now known as the Satsuma Library. He graduated in 1958, which was the first graduating class of Satsuma High School.
He was an active volunteer in his hometown. He served on the Satsuma Board of Adjustments, attended City Council meetings, and was interested in all areas of the community. He loved Satsuma and his country. He served in the National Guard Reserve for 5 years.
He established Bruister's Welding & Repair Shop in 1968 located on Old Hwy 43 in Satsuma and was in operation for 25 years.
In his later years, from November 1st until Christmas Eve, his calendar was full of the events he "worked" as the man in the red suit. His duties often included visiting with the Saraland firefighters and police officers, then joining them to bring the Christmas spirit to Saraland seniors after the town's parade. In Satsuma, Santa Bruister would ride in the Christmas parade and visit Baldwin Square where he would hand out stuffed animals to the kids.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Charles and Ruth Bruister, Charles Brewster (Sonny) brother.
His memory will be honored by his children, Joi Bruister Wright (Mark) Jade Bruister-Reed (Waylon) Robert Joseph Bruister, Jr., mother of the children, Luvenia Spotswood. Grandchildren: Waylon Reed, Jaiden Reed, Baylee Bruister, Brooklyn Bruister, Savannah Black Reynolds. Great-Grands Kaliannah Morgan, Landin Morgan. Sister: Emily B. Cooper (Dayle) and one special niece, Suzanne Gibson and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers Dayle Cooper, Larry Landrum, Donnie Ray Singleton, Ronnie Walker
Pallbearers Joe Bruister Jr, Waylon Reed Sr, Waylon Reed Jr, Scott Gibson, Kelvin Holley, Mark Wright.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Food Pantry at Satsuma First Baptist Church https://fbcsatsuma.com/donate.
A visitation will be held from 12pm-1pm followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, Alabama 36571.
Brent Rawson and Kelvin Holley officiating.
Interment immediately following at Satsuma Cemetery with gathering with family and friends at Satsuma First Baptist.
