Gerald Bruner

Gerald Douglas “Doug” Bruner
July 8, 1945 – September 7, 2026

Gerald Douglas “Doug” Bruner passed from this life to be with the Lord on Monday, September 7, 2026, where he was reunited with his sisters and friends who went before him. He leaves behind a family who loves him deeply and a lifetime of memories they will carry with them always.

At the very center of Doug’s life was his family, beginning with the love of his life, Sharon. Doug and Sharon Mae Burchfield met as children at Tanglewood Elementary School. They fell in love and married in 1965—a true testament to the old adage that “opposites attract.” He was quiet and reserved; she is expressive and outgoing. And somehow, it worked beautifully. For 61 years, Doug and Sharon shared a life, raised a family, and remained each other’s best friend.

By 1976, they had welcomed three daughters: Sharla, Rachel, and Jerusha “Ru.” Over the years, one of Doug’s greatest joys was watching his family grow as he became a grandfather and, eventually, a great-grandfather. He had a special place in his heart for children and animals, and often talked about his best buds, Hvcko and Buster. His face would light up when he talked about his “kids and critters”—a simple phrase that captured so much of what brought him joy.

Doug spent 30 years with American Airlines, working as a metal spray crew chief from 1977 until his retirement in 2007. But there was much more to Doug than his work. He was a poet, photographer, tinkerer, silversmith, gardener, and lover of the land—a connection deeply rooted in his Mvskoke heritage. He found meaning in creating, fixing, and growing things and in paying close attention to the natural world around him. He held a deep amazement, delight and gratitude for God’s creation.

Doug was fair, kind, and generous. He was slow to speak, but when he did, his words mattered.

Of all the titles Doug held throughout his 81 years, the ones that mattered most were the personal ones: husband, Dad, Papaw, Uncle Doug, “Dudley,” and friend.

Doug leaves behind Sharon, his wife and best friend of 61 years; his three daughters, Sharla Owens, Rachel Bruner, and Jerusha Daniel; two sons-in-law, Chris Owens and J.P. Daniel; five grandchildren, Dillon Disbrow, Cody Disbrow, Emma Wagnon, Mason Hargrove, and Jacob Hargrove; and five great-grandchildren, Hunter Disbrow, Hazel Disbrow, Harper Disbrow, Wesley Wagnon, and William Wagnon.

He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his presence—and whose love, friendship, and presence blessed his life in return.

Doug lived his life quietly, loved his family deeply, and found joy in the simple things that mattered most—his “kids and critters,” the land beneath his feet, and the people he loved.

He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.