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Emmett Evan Brunson

June 18, 1939 - April 25, 2026

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Emmett Evan Brunson

Evan Brunson of Boone, NC, and Bunnell, FL, passed away on April 25, 2026 at the age of 86.

Evan is survived by his three daughters, Liesette Brunson (Christian Archambault) of Montreal, Canada; Angela Harris (Lee) of Raleigh; and Annette Tucker (Marc) of Raleigh; and by their mother, Brigitte Brunson of Raleigh. He is also survived by his sister, Jenifer Amerson of Brenham, Texas; and his grandchildren, Isabelle Cloutier, David Archambault, Thomas Archambault (step-grandson), George Harris, Sydney Tucker, Andrew Tucker, and Will Tucker; along with many beloved cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cherry Schwartz Brunson and Emmett Evander Brunson.

Evan was born in Houston, Texas on June 18, 1939. He spent his childhood in Houston and on the family’s farm in Spring, Texas. He graduated from Conroe High School in 1957 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government/political science from Texas Christian University in 1961. He obtained a master’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland.

A devoted father, he filled his girls’ childhood with weekends at Lake Gaston, annual NC beach vacations, and yearly trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains. He taught the girls to fish, water ski, ride the waves, and drive a stick shift. He loved a good road trip and drove his family from NC to Texas several times, detouring along the way to see different areas of the US. One summer he took his girls on a 6500 mile road trip to see national parks from Arizona to Wyoming.

His career in government and economic policy saw him work for the Defense Intelligence Agency, Spindletop Research, Southern Growth Policy Board, the US Department of Interior, and the NC Department of Natural Resources and Community Development’s Coastal Management Division. He retired at the age of 56 and was blessed to spend 30 years enjoying spring, summer, and fall in his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, and avoiding the hard mountain winters by heading to Florida.

On a typical fall weekend, Evan could be found in front of the TV watching football, always cheering for the underdog. Tennis became a central part of his life, especially in his retirement years. He played several times a week well into his 80s, developing lasting friendships along the way. He cherished time with friends and family, over meals, at live music events, or, best of all, on the dance floor doing the jitterbug. He was extremely intelligent and had a deep interest in politics, frequently writing letters to the editor of his local newspapers. He also found joy in simple pleasures: watching the many cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds that gathered at his multiple birdfeeders; taking drives to admire the full moon; admiring mountain views and wildflowers; and chasing the perfect photograph of a beautiful sunset.

Evan had a great sense of humor and friendly disposition, and he made friends wherever he went. He remained active and independent until the end of his life. He was loved and will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends.

His service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road in Raleigh. An off-site reception will immediately follow the service. The family will hold a private burial service at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be directed to the Flagler Humane Society, where he adopted his beloved cat Diana.

Services

TBD

Private Family Only Burial

Historic Oakwood Cemetery , Get Directions »
2 May

A Service of Rememberance

11:00 AM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • May 03, 2026

    Annette Tucker

    We first cousins, Clelia, Cherry, and Tim remember Evan with love and fond childhood memories. Memories of Thanksgivings spent at The Farm in Spring, Texas. And fun summer times spent swimming, playing ping pong or touch football, target shooting with bows and arrows, and climbing trees. He was a great play mate; always ready for action! We will miss Evan's friendly, outgoing nature, his welcoming smile, and his quest for seeking life's adventures. We shall cherish our memories of happy times spent together. His life was full and rich. For that, we give thanks. Go in peace, dear Evan.

  • May 02, 2026

    Carla Prater

    I am sorry to hear of your family's loss of Evan. He was a fun dad for you girls! We had fun when we went the beach with your family. I remember one of you girls trying to drive his car down your driveway and it didn't end up too good lol. Love all of you and your family is forever in my heart. Love, Carla Harmon Prater

  • May 01, 2026

    Theresa Wolterman

    I am sorry to learn of Evan's passing. I will always remember traveling to the Smokey Mountains with the Brunson Family. Evan loved showing his girls the beauty of nature. If I recall, there was some automobile repair trouble that added a bit of excitement to the end trip. Prayers and love to the family.

  • April 30, 2026

    Janet Hutchinson

    Evan was a longtime member of our Boone tennis group playing several days a week. Lot's of laughs and fun games through the years. And Evan also had a few "broken" racquets over the years, lol. After tennis we always went somewhere for lunch to discuss our tennis woes or world problems. We also spent time together exploring the area on field trips, zip lining once, going to Amelia Island for the Women's Tennis, etc. Fun times! Evan needed a little " mothering" along the way. Always losing something or forgetting something. Wallet, teeth , etc. lol. A lot of memories! Evan, hope you look up Tom up there and hit some tennis balls❤️

  • April 29, 2026

    Holly Miday

    I was so sorry to hear about my Uncle Evans's passing. I have good memories of him helping me learn to waterski and I always tried to slice like he did on the tennis court! He poured everything he had into raising strong daughters and I feel that was his greatest pride and I know it's his greatest legacy. I'm praying for peace and comfort for his/my family.

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