GOLDEN, MS – Jerry L. Pruitt, 69, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 at NMMC in Tupelo, Miss. He was born in Itawamba County to William Leo and Erma Lou Worthy Pruitt. To know Jerry was to know his love for hunting, his farm animals, his family and grandchildren, and telling the tallest tale of all the front porch-sitting boys. Paw Paw Jerry wore many hats for The Hill. He was a beloved dad, brother, uncle, Paw Paw, “tight” trader of the community and well known and loved by many. Jerry loved to hunt, his favorite being coon hunting with his buddy, Charles Horn. Oh, the stories he has told. As kids growing up, he would let us hold the animals he’d bring home to skin. We thought it was the coolest thing to get to help. Jerry loved us girls and all the grands and most enjoyed “pestering” all of the kids and making everyone laugh. He enjoyed telling us girls about our ancestors and heritage of both sides of our families. He was a walking encyclopedia to us. His time sitting on the front porch with “the boys” was some of his most cherished moments. For those who took part in the “Tall Tales” on the front porch with “the boys,” know how interesting the stories got and who ended up with the best far-fetched story. Jerry was crazy about the grandkids, but his main sidekicks were, Landon-who he often called “Hondo” and Nicholas-who he called “Nicholo,” plus various other names I could not print. If you know Jerry, you know! He often had his own name for everyone. He has touched many lives in so many ways that we are hearing about since Friday. Pruitt Hill has forever been changed with the void that his passing has left in our hearts and lives. Our precious Jerry, our selfish hearts are shattered by your absence, but we know you are forever rejoicing with so many who have since gone. Just knowing that you have experienced the beauty and majesty of Jesus, we could never wish you back in this world of pain. Rest now, in the arms of Jesus and dance majestically at His feet. You were fun and entertaining, and will be proud to know that you did train Landon well. He definitely learned more from you than you ever realized. We miss you terribly and will do our best to carry on the Pruitt legacy. He attended Life Unlimited Church.
Funeral services will be Monday, September 18, 4 p.m. at Calvary Family Worship Center with Bro. Ed Garcia and Bro. Cory Pruitt officiating. Burial will be in Hodge Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by one brother, John Pruitt (Debi); children, Cindy Pruitt Allison (Toby), Sarah Miller, Charlotte Nelms (Robbie) and Rose Pruitt; twelve grandchildren, Amanda Grimes (Bryan), T.J. Allison (Madison), Landon Allison, Nicholas Allison, Andrew Melson (Alisha), Bethany Ritch (Preston), Kristy Liles (Sean), Hannah Robinson (Cody), Rachael Massey (Jordan), Emilee Mayhall (Toby), Cory Pruitt (Madonna) and Kennadie Wells and eighteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Pruitt; son, Matthew Pruitt; his parents; brothers and sisters, Ruble Pruitt, Ruby Pounders, Nellie Hargett, Gene Pruitt, Jimmy Pruitt, Cathy Ann Pruitt, Elaine Ashley and Bill Pruitt and lifelong friend, Joe “Little Hamp” Timmons.
Pallbearers will be Jason Baker, Michael Baker, Jimmy Wayne Rogers, Daniel Ivey, Andrew Melson, Joey Wood and Preston Ritch.
Visitation will be Monday, September 18, 2-4 p.m. at Calvary Family Worship Center.
