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- He was the son of Eslie and Bessie (Smith) Pruitt. He attended Eufaula High School then joined the United States Army, serving three years in combat duty. He was a part of the 75th Infantry Division, Company I, 290th Infantry and received two Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, and the Purple Heart. He received the Purple Heart for wounds he received in action on April 10, 1945, in Germany while on patrol with his sergeant, who was killed in the incident. In total, he served 24 months in combat in Europe and seven months as an armed forces motion picture projectionist after being wounded. He received an honorable discharge on Feb. 28, 1946. He married Norida Kirby of Eufaula on June 8, 1946, and they soon established residence in McAlester, where he worked for 30 years as a printer with the Naval Ammunition Depot. He had many interests, including league bowling, studio photography, carpentry, restoring vintage automobiles and antique trolley cars, and putting together large Christmas displays at his home on Madison Avenue. He died Saturday, May 9, 2009 at his home. Survivors include his wife, Norida Pruitt, of the home; two sons, Michael Pruitt, of McAlester, and Rodney Pruitt, Tempe, Ariz., and one granddaughter, Lori Pruitt, Phoenix. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eslie and Bessie Pruitt, and his stepfather, Rex Smith. Pallbearers will be Jerry Starling, Dave Timmons, Roger Timmons, Brandon Albers, Erin Albers and Jack Southard. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Brumley-Mills Chapel with the Rev. Randall Adams officiating. Military honors will be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1098 of McAlester. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester.
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1925 - 2009 (84 years)
