Larry B. Bruner, age 81, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, Georgia. In keeping with his wishes there will be no funeral services and his ashes will be interred at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Mr. Bruner, son of Kirk Johnson and Letha H. Johnson, was born March 4, 1945, in San Diego, California. In his early years, his parents divorced and his mother married and he was adopted by David J. Bruner. Larry served eight years in the US Navy, was a 1963 graduate of Columbus

High School and graduated from Columbus Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Electronics. He was retired from Johnson Industries where he served as the Maintenance Manager and from V2 Textiles in Auburn, Alabama.

During his honorable service as a Petty Office First Class in the US Navy, he served as a Cryptologist and received the Navy Unit Commendation Medal at Naval Security Group, Kamiseya, Japan; Navy Unit Commendation at Navy Communication Station, Honolulu, Hawaii; Meritorious Unit Commendation at Naval Security Group Activity, Misawa, Japan; and the National Defense Service Medal. He also received the Columbus Engineering Society, Engineer of the Year and V2 Textile Composites, Inc., President's Award.

His colleagues respected him and his work ethic. His was an expert in his field, always willing to lend a helping hand and was instrumental in solving marid problems with his scope of expertise. He always looked out for and valued those in his department. Everyone thought highly of him and his contributions to textile production and innovations. A valued colleague and employer recently said of Larry, “He was one of the best men I’ve known.”

Mr. Bruner’s life was filled with simple pleasures and meaningful connections. He adored his wife, finding the greatest pleasures in their shared moments. Theirs was a partnership grounded in love and respect. They embarked on numerous adventures while he served his country, always together. They discovered the beauty of nature while camping and casting lines into the water. Larry cherished quality time with friends and loved ones, where laughter echoed and love flourished. He found peace on tranquil boat rides and embraced the thrill of motorcycle rides. Above all, Larry believed in the power of laughter and fun, living each with a down-to-earth spirit that embraced the beauty of life’s simple joys. In bidding farewell to Larry, we honor a life brimming with passion, connection and love. Larry will be deeply missed and his spirit will forever inspire us.

Mr. Bruner was a Baptist by faith and a true Christian by practice. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Bruner Baldwin; his sisters-in-law Carolyn Rogers Newton and Marina Canlas Culpepper.

Mr. Bruner is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marie Bruner; two brothers, David Bruner of Hastings, Florida and Paul E. Bruner of Rancho Mirage, California; brother-in-law, Ron Culpepper of Warner Robins, Georgia; special niece, Natalie Newton Butler (Jimmie) of Forsyth, Georgia, and many more cherished and adored extended family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to your favorite charity.