September 7, 2026 | By: Julianna Perkins, Lily Donecker, MJ Meurer, Brendan Watson, Courtney Hertl, Whitson Blackwell and AJ Valente

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and Flagler College’s Journalism Program.

Before he was “Chucky” to the neighborhood, he was just a kid named Bruce who couldn’t stand to be more than a few feet away from his sisters, Christi and Mindy. Both sisters fondly remember Chucky as someone who, “never held a grudge and always lived in the moment.”

Most people saw his resemblance to the movie character, “Chucky,” which gave him his lifelong nickname, but his family still fondly remembers Bruce as “Boo-Boo,” the boy who looked up to them, especially his mother, his north star.

Chucky’s life wasn’t a straight line. He experienced a series of hard-fought battles, exasperated by the crushing weight of losing his mother. Trying to get back up on his feet as an adult was not easy for him. Even through his struggles, Bruce never gave up.  Never forgetting the importance of family, he always showed up for birthdays and holidays sharing his love with his nieces and nephews who adored him. No matter how much he struggled, he never stopped trying to be the person his family deserved. His biggest goal was to make his family proud.

According to his sisters Christi and Mindy, Bruce grew up in North Miami, but he spent his summers in Bell, Florida. He would ride on the back of a pickup truck around the 10- acre land of his cousin’s family farm. Memories for Christi and Mindy seem like yesterday.  They recounted, “The cousins would build bonfires and catch fireflies in mason jars.”

Other memories included keeping the family safe from the pouring rain during a camping trip.  “He managed to keep our spirits up by starting a mudball fight,” remembers Christi. “He was so easy to be with and always saw the good in everything.”

Easter was spent on the beach, watching the sunrise and eating potato pancakes with the family.  “We would steal all of the pickles and olives from the adult table,” said Christi. “Nothing was more fun than a bunch of cousins at the table sharing laughs.”

Bruce’s first love was basketball. Coming from the vibrant city of Miami, he naturally loved the Miami Heat. He saw himself as a future NBA star growing up. He was a very creative soul, who wrote poetry expressing his love for his family. His sisters remember that he enjoyed drawing and was quite good at it. Some friends would even use those images for tattoos.

He enjoyed listening to 90’s hip-hop icons, his favorite being Tupac, and in the later part of his life, he found a love for country music. He took great pride in being a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews, always trying to better himself in honor of his family.

Christi and Mindy reminisce, “Bruce loved cars and loud sound systems. He would help Luis when working on cars or installing music.” Christi took Bruce to a car show that he absolutely loved. He went and sat inside every car with his nephew, Jeremiah, to listen to the sound systems.

Chucky’s life was full of hardship and family tragedy, but despite this, he always showed up for his family. Christi and Mindy often think back to how much he loved spending Passover at his grandma’s.

Christi and Mindy recall, “He recognized the pain from experience, so making people smile lifted his spirits.” Whether it was a birthday party, holiday, or family event, he could always be found filling a seat at the table.  According to Christi, “He was determined to make his sisters proud and to be the best uncle he could be for his nieces and nephews.” He sought help in rehabilitation programs like Project HOPE, wanting to better himself for the sake of his family. If there was something in the house that needed fixing, Chucky would ensure that he got it done for his sisters. Christi and Mindi believe wholeheartedly that “Bruce lived to the fullest” and his life was “way too short.”

Christi fondly recalls spending time with her little brother, but her favorite memory is shared between Chucky and her husband Luis. They managed to ride a single bike with Chucky sitting on the handlebars, and Luis pedaling away on the seat. As they went downhill, Luis took his feet off the pedals, and the bike rolled freely. Unable to get the words out fast enough, Chucky was only able to shout, “Luis, don’t do this!” This phrase remained an inside joke between the two whenever Chucky came to visit.

On January 10th, 2023, at approximately 12:50 P.M., Bruce “Chucky” Raynor was struck by a car in the alley behind a Kohl’s in the 3500 block of Southwest Archer Road in Gainesville, Florida. It’s unknown if he was on his bike at the time he was hit. He was then taken to the hospital to treat his injuries, but he sadly passed away.

Bruce Raynor was a kind soul, who was deeply devoted to those important in his life. Despite his struggles, he always worked to take steps in the right direction. He is remembered dearly by his family.

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Anyone with information concerning Bruce Raynor’s case is asked to call the Gainesville Police Department at (352) 393-7500. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, please call the Alachua County Crimestoppers at (352) 372-7867.

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