Robert Bruce Runyan passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. He celebrated his 89th birthday on Aug. 21. “Pop” grew up on a farm in Cache, Okla. with a sister, two brothers, and cousins. He attended Cache County High School, Cameron Community College, and graduated from Oklahoma University in 1960. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Genevieve Ford Runyan, and they would have celebrated 69 years of marriage on May 26th of this year. They moved from Oklahoma in 1960 to make their home in Manchester, TN, and he started at AEDC as an Aeronautical Engineer. Together, Robert and Genny grew a family and served their community. They were blessed with three daughters, Genny Lynn Hartman, Kimberly Jones, and Sherri Spears. Becoming ‘Pop’ to 5 grandchildren, Heather (Brent) Ausbrooks, Amber (Derrick) Jackson, Matthew (Katie) Spears, Katherine (Pat) Holder, and Austin (Alex) Jones, and 11 great-grandchildren: Jake, Caden, Evan and Aspen Ausbrooks, Will, Savannah, Lilah, and Tobi Jackson, Birdy and Beau Spears, and Annsley Jones. His passion in life was his family, his work, and serving his community. He volunteered on the board of AEDC (Ascend) Credit Union, Manchester’s Water and Sewer Commission, was elected Chairman of the Duck River commission 7 times, and spent 33 years on the board of directors. He received too many work awards to list, and enjoyed many trips shared with treasured friends they made throughout the years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Crado Bruce and Lillie Bell Runyan, brothers Bill Runyan and Lawrence Lafrance, sister Ruby Phillips, and son-in-law Chuck Hartman. Visitation was held at Manchester Funeral Home 786 McMinnville Hwy Manchester, TN on Saturday Jan. 18 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., with funeral at 11 a.m.

Manchester Funeral Home