Theodore Ernest Bruning

Theodore Ernest Bruning of Chatham, Virginia, passed away peacefully at the age of 95, having thoroughly ignored the instructions for a quiet and ordinary life.

Born in Mineola, New York, in 1929, Ted graduated from Yale College in 1952 with a degree in Asiatic History—a major chosen, perhaps, for its intrigue as much as its impracticality. He later earned a Master’s in Education from Harvard and pursued additional studies at the University of Virginia, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Massachusetts. Ted believed in lifelong learning, or at least in keeping things interesting.

Ted’s career defied easy summary—and likely would have bored him if it didn’t. He worked in banking, construction, and management before realizing that his true calling was shaping young minds (and occasionally provoking them). He taught English at Webb School in Tennessee and Chatham Hall in Virginia, where he is honored with a Faculty Chair in his name—proof that his impact was as enduring as it was eccentric. He went on to serve as headmaster at Fairfax Hall and Trinity School of Midland, leading with vision, integrity, and the occasional surprise.

Ted was passionately invested in the people and places of Pittsylvania County. He served as a deacon and choir member at Chatham Presbyterian Church, a dedicated member of the Chatham Rotary Club, and a proud recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award. He approached civic life the way he approached most things: with full force and zero hesitation.

His interests were as varied as his opinions. He worked with the Boy Scouts at the Blue Ridge Mountain Scout Reservation (earning induction into the Order of the Arrow), served on the Virginia State Bar’s Ninth District Attorney Disciplinary Committee, championed conservation with Ducks Unlimited, and taught firearms safety—an unlikely mix that somehow made perfect sense to him.

Ted was predeceased by the love of his life, Marty, his wife of 72 years. He is survived by his adoring children: Ted III (Mary), Nat (Linda), and Alice (David); grandchildren Anna (Mark), Marlee (Gus), and Ben; and great-granddaughters Phoebe and Natalie.

His legacy lives on in his students, his family, the house he restored board by board, and in the many people who were changed by a conversation, a lesson, or a well-timed digression.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Chatham Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date—likely with music, laughter, and at spirited anecdotes.

Norris Funeral Services, Chatham Chapel, is serving the family.