Walter Gerald Essary

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Walter Gerald Essary, age 62, of Arlington, Texas, died January 13, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. Services will be 12 noon Friday, January 19, 2018, at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Avery officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2018, at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Essary of Arlington, Texas; daughter, Tausha Amaris Brubaker; son, Jarred Cain Essary; sister, Teresa Essary Perkins; mother, Beneta Essary; grandchildren Dayja Madelone Patton, Janessa Caroline Essary and Josiah Walter Brubaker.

Walter Gerald Essary, better known as Bruno Essary, was known in Tuscaloosa in the 70's for a life of partying and "living on the edge." Then he and his wife both had a radical spiritual transformation in the early 80's that ultimately lead to serving as missionaries in Kenya, Africa and Jamaica and short term in several other countries.

In the 1998, Bruno and Rhonda settled in Dallas, Texas. The Essary's, including their adult children, Jarred and Tausha, graduated from Christ for the Nations Institute and that's what originally led them to Texas.

After returning to Dallas in 1998, they spent the remaining years mostly serving in local church children's ministries. Bruno's profession outside ministry work was various roles that were similar to mechanical engineering.

Bruno was known for being one with incredible wit and humor and always fun to be around. He was known for compassion for lost and hurting souls. Anyone who worked with him in any type of way knew he was committed...not just doing a job, but going above and beyond with strong work ethics. Bruno was a positive example who was loved and respected by many people of all ages all around the world.

Pallbearers will be Dale Wedgeworth, Sam Wedgeworth, Howie Wedgeworth, Allen Duncan, Scott Duncan, Chris Wedgeworth, Josh Wedgeworth and Tom Milligan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brave Champions Children & Bible Club at http://CTEN.org/missionary/ChristinaKoller/

Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com.