Charles R. “Chuck” Gruner, professor emeritus of communications studies in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and founding parliamentarian for University Council, died Oct. 28. He was 83.
Gruner, a native of Pinckneyville, Illinois, received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He earned his doctorate in communication from Ohio State University.
After serving on the faculty at the University of Nebraska, Gruner joined the faculty at UGA in 1969, with his research focused on “humor as persuasion.” Gruner was promoted to full professor in 1974, the same year he became the first parliamentarian of the University Council. He served on and off as university parliamentarian until 2014, years after he retired from UGA in 1997.
Gruner is survived by Marsha, his wife of 56 years, son Mark (Robin), daughter Valerie, grandson David and granddaughter Amanda.
There was no memorial service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the UGA Foundation or a charity of one’s choosing.
