Bruce Edward Berrong: Obituary

Bruce Edward Berrong, age 56, passed away peacefully at his home, where he wanted to be Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Bruce was born November 13, 1963 in Hiawassee, Georgia to Mr. Leon and the late Esta (Buchanan) Berrong. He was a member of Upper Hightower Baptist Church and served as a Volunteer Firefighter for 35 years with Towns County Fire and Rescue. To know Bruce was to love him. He was a dependable and giving friend. He never met a stranger, had an infectious personality and was always more than willing to help any one and at any time. He loved people like God loves us, unconditionally and more than he loved himself. He would rather do without to be certain someone else had what they needed. He was so proud of his children and his entire family, especially his grandbabies and his dad was his best friend. Bruce was also well known for what many would call “Welcome to Bruce”. In first responder language, codes determine how quickly responders need to get to the scene, Towns County has Code one, two, three and “Code Bruce” and that meant get here 5 minutes ago. He was fast to pull a prank on an unsuspecting “victim”, painting an unnamed state troopers car tires with marking spray paint, flipping the front tags upside down on a few deputies vehicles and enjoyed embarrassing his family while eating oysters, crab legs and shrimp out in public. To sum up a man such as Bruce is almost impossible in one small obituary, he was a “fine son” to his father, loved his mama beyond measure, he was unique, a hard worker and all around a special man. He kept his sense of humor all the way until he slipped peacefully from earth to his new home. Bruce has left an impact on this town and a legacy for his children. He is deeply loved and will be painfully missed. Bruce is survived by his father, Leon Berrong; son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Jessica Berrong; son, Josh Berrong; daughter, LeAnn Dean; sons, Billy Dean and Caleb Nelson; sisters and brother-in-laws, Wilda Mae and Rex Hogsed, and Joyce Ann and Dwayne Beck,  grandchildren, Tinley, Tatum, Josh, and Jeremiah; and precious friends Gina Dean and Kayla Kimkowski along with a number of nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

Visitation: Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Banister Funeral Home.
Service: Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 3:00 PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Dwayne Beck, Rev. Jared Coleman and Rev. Glen Eller officiating.
Interment following the funeral service at Upper Hightower Baptist Church Cemetery. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to be  handling the arrangements for Bruce.