How do you sum up the lifetime of a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and best friend in a few short paragraphs? There are no words to fully comprehend what he meant to us, only fond memories and a lifetime of happiness. For OUR Gruner family has truly been blessed.
Leon Joseph Gruner grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida to the late David Schwartz Gruner and preceded Mildred Smith Gruner. He attended The King's Academy and graduated from Twin Lakes High School. He went on to do many great things with his tremendous God given talent. Starting young in the building industry, he built many of the docks, seawalls and boardwalks throughout our county with Gruner Construction. His memorial will be held at one of these such boardwalks. He was a thriving business owner with Blinder U.S.A. and also managed the family business, his pride and joy, the Gardenia Building in West Palm Beach, FL. When not using a sledge hammer, he became a master Craftsman, creating growth charts for his grandkids or concocting Chevy Chase-like Christmas displays during the Holidays.
Leon loved his family, friends, God, Swedish Fish, orange slices, fishing and a good Monte Cristo (not necessarily in that order). He hated, however, most vegetables and hypocrites (not necessarily in that order as well). He loved riding his Harley and taking out the boat, slaying lobster and fish on weekends with his brother, Paul, and kids. No catch and release here people, as you can tell by all the envious photos throughout the years from the Keys and the Bahamas. He was no novice and there were not many, "The One That Got Away" stories.
He loved any great TV show, constantly flipping channels. He was obsessed with the political process and ultimately overjoyed when Trump and the Republicans swept the polls and turned this country upside down this past week. "Let's Make America Great Again."
He always had his cell phone to his ear and was available to jump at the chance to help his friends, family, and even strangers in need. His dedication to helping those who were struggling truly made him a hero and a role model for those around him. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes from helping with hurricane shutters to fostering wayward kids in the system. By being self-employed, it gave him the flexibility to be able to go out into the community and make "His" difference.
"Uncle Yinny," as his nieces and nephews called him, loved dressing up in silly costumes whether at the famous tailgates for Dolphins football games wearing his infamous Burger King outfit and getting on the video board or dressing as the "Perfect Angel" for Halloween that he donned while flipping hotdogs for the neighborhood. We usually saw him rolling around in "the hood" in his Guy Harvey or Florida Gator t-shirts all schmuckussed with paint from any number of his various jobs. His heart was so generous and big that on November 9th, 2016 he was overcome and donned his angel wings one last time.
You are a bic lighter in this crazy world, bringing light to all those around you. Although not withstanding flaws, and sometimes inappropriate sense of humor, you were absolutely admired by many, demonstrated by the outpouring of love for our family during this unsteady time. You worked so hard but knew how to balance work and having fun with a good cigar and precarious laugh. You realized by putting God first that He would always bless your family and supply all your needs. You've done a wonderful job raising a blended family with love higher than the tallest mountain you skied down as a teenager and deeper than the ocean you loved to fish and dive.
It's no coincidence you lived in Legacy Cove (even though it sometimes drove you nuts) because you created a legacy for your friends and family. You may have hid behind those tattoos but your endless selflessness and abundant, tender heart were evident to all who loved you.
Leon is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Boucher Gruner; daughter, Amber Lee Gruner; daughter, Rachelle Marie Gruner and boyfriend, Ryan Bell; son, James Michael Lovelace and his wife, Ashleigh Burra Lovelace; son, Joshua Richard Lovelace and his wife, Alexis Maddern Lovelace; son, Richard Gruner; grandsons, Zayden Lee Gruner and Hunter James Lovelace; granddaughters, Mia Bell and Macie June Lovelace; brother, Dr. Paul Gruner and his children, Olivia Jane Gruner and Owen Riley Gruner; and sister Rebecca Ruth Gruner Sechrist, her husband Mark Allen Sechrist and their children, Jillian Elise Sechrist and Jaxson Allen Garrett Sechrist. Of course, we can't forget his beloved Callie dog.

Memorial service for Leon Joseph Gruner
John D. MacArthur State Park
South Pavilion- located behind Beach Nature Center
Sunday, November 13, 2016,
We will gather promptly at 1 p.m. then progress at 1:13p.m. (his lucky number) across the boardwalk for his service, officiated by Pastor Aldrick Marshall and Pastor S. Damon. Bring any pictures, memories, and a smile as we celebrate this amazing life God has let us share!
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the following foundations that were dear to Leon's heart.
Townsend house in Dade City, Tent City Helpers www.facebook.com/groups/tentcityhelpers/, Elev8hope Compassion in Action www.Elev8hope.com, Stop and Pink about it! The Matthew Balash Foundation http://stopandpinkaboutit.org/

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.