[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E347-E348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF MAXWELL BRUNER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2007

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
Northwest Florida's beloved Maxwell Bruner, Jr.
  Mr. Bruner is survived by his wife, Linda, eight children, ten 
grandchildren, and sister and brother-in-law, Burt and Barbara Bruner 
Godwin. To his family and friends, I would like to offer my sincere 
condolences. Northwest Florida has suffered a great loss.
  Born on July 12, 1931, in Ashford, Alabama, Max Bruner, Jr., grew up 
during the Great Depression on the farms in southeast Alabama. He was 
the son of a farmer and local businessman. It was not until after his 
graduation from Auburn University, where his interest in politics and 
government grew, that he made his way to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in 
1957--a place where his footsteps would be planted and never washed 
away.
  Mr. Bruner was an active member in the business, civic, and church 
communities, and entered into the Okaloosa County School District as an 
assistant principal, quickly rising to principal at Fort Walton 
Elementary School. In 1963, Max Bruner became principal of the newly 
integrated Eglin School. Okaloosa County School District became one of 
the first districts in the South that integrated schools. After two 
years, Mr. Bruner was elected Superintendent of Schools. Voted in for 
five consecutive terms, he made a significant impact on the Okaloosa 
County School District and molded it into the success it is today.
  His passion for change and commitment to excellence came at a time 
when it was needed the most. Facilities were overcrowded, which forced 
schools to hold double sessions and hold classes in churches. In a time 
when schools were segregated and students not given the opportunity 
they deserved, Max Bruner ensured that they received the proper 
materials. He established a $40 million construction plan and developed 
educational programs to accommodate every learning level, including the 
gifted and disabled. He knew the importance of education and believed 
that all students must be given the opportunity to learn. Maxwell 
Bruner worked tirelessly for the advancement of the local public school 
system and transformed the Okaloosa School District into one of the 
best in the state of Florida.
  To some Max Bruner will be remembered as an educator, and to others, 
a warrior. To some he will be remembered as a loyal Auburn fan, and to 
others, a comrade in the United States Air Force. He will long be 
remembered by his family and friends as a loving and compassionate 
father, grandfather, husband, and companion; and we will all remember 
his energy, motivation, and generosity. From his humble beginnings as a 
child

[[Page E348]]

to a man who had such a profound impact on society, Mr. Bruner touched 
a number of lives; all who knew Max Bruner are forever grateful for his 
presence in their lives, and will forever be inspired by his life.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
honor the life of Maxwell Bruner, Jr., and his living legacy.

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