Bruce Davis Gaver, 93

Bruce Davis Gaver, 93 of Penney Farms, FL passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025.  Bruce was born to the late Ross Myrle and Harriett Mae Gaver in Columbiana, Ohio.  After graduating high school in Columbiana, he served in the US Army stationed in Germany.  Following his discharge, Bruce continued his education at Miami University Ohio.

While living in Columbus, Ohio, Bruce was introduced to Shirley.  They married a year later and moved to Florida following Shirley’s graduation from Ohio State University.  Bruce began working at Cape Canaveral of Florida for 10 years before moving to Tallahassee to complete his Master in Art from Florida State University.  Using his love for art, Bruce taught elementary students in Quincy, FL before the opening his own furniture refinishing business, The Ladderback Shop after moving to Havana, Florida.

Bruce repaired damaged furniture for moving companies and the State of Florida offices in Tallahassee but his real passion was to take a piece of furniture that meant something to someone and giving it new life; and might we say, “he was good at it”.  He retired in 2000 and moved to Penney Farms in 2009 where he enjoyed working in the wood shop.  He took on the challenge of refinishing the Penney Memorial Church doors just a few years ago.

Bruce and Shirley have enjoyed many trips here in the United States and across the pond to England, Scotland, Iceland, and Nova Scotia to name a few.  In the more recent years, they would take their camper and go on shorter trips to State Parks here in Florida.

His love of painting rekindled after moving to PRC and Bruce’s love for water color art was unleashed.  He was his own critic but, once in a while he would approve something his painted.  His eye for detail, margins, vanishing points, texture, color, and shape allowed his finger to transform a blank page into a painting of art to enjoy.

The train room at PRC was moved to the current location only a few years ago which created an empty room and an imagination landscape to create.  Bruce enjoyed his time in the train room, working with the other model train lovers of PRC, and together they have created and continually update an exhibit for many residents and visitors to enjoy.

Bruce was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Johnson.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Gaver, two sons, Jeff (Lynn) Gaver and Pat Gaver, two grandchildren, Austin (Courtney) Gaver and Mary-Hannah (Justin) Davis, and four great grandchildren, Hudson, Ellie, Kellan, and Collins.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Penney Memorial Church.  Pastor Justin Davis will officiate.

In closing, Bruce had an “Every detail matters” mentality, a love for doughnuts, only ate vanilla and chocolate ice cream (even when 33 flavors were available), a provider for his family and an unparalleled work ethic.  He will be missed.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720