Leonard E. Pruitt, age 81, of Harrison, passed away on Friday, April 29 (2011) at his home. He was born July 3, 1929, to the Rev. Jess F. and Mary A. (Walker) Pruitt, in Faulkner County.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Kenneth J. Pruitt, Robert J. Pruitt, Dykes L. Pruitt and Raymond M. Pruitt.
Leonard was a member of First Baptist Church of Harrison. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War at Fort Jackson, S.C., attached to the 101st Airborne Division in a Regimental Personnel Section. He married Mary Sue Bates in Cleveland, Tenn., on March 15, 1952. After his Honorable Discharge, he worked as an industrial engineer from 1954 to 1995, eventually retiring from Duncan Industries. During his career, in 1972, he was president of the Mississippi Delta Chapter of American Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Pruitt of the home; two sons, Russell and wife Cheryl Pruitt of Cave Creek, Ariz. and Roger and wife Sharon Pruitt of Smyrna, Tenn.; a daughter, Donna Wiggin of Harrison; a brother, Jack and wife Thelma Pruitt of Mississippi; his sisters, Ruth and husband John Stevens of Bay City, Texas and Faye and husband Tony Pittman of Pasadena, Texas; seven grandchildren, Zachary and wife Kimberly Pruitt, Patricia Pruitt, Curt Pruitt, A.J. Pruitt, Mary Brazil, Brandon Brazil and Emma Pruitt; one great-grandchild, Ava Mae Pruitt; and a host of other family and many dear friends.
Visitation was Sunday, May 1, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Monday, May 2, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Brother Rob Davis and Brother Robert Shaddox officiating.
Pallbearers were Zack Pruitt, Brandon Brazil, Don Yarbrough, Freddy Ward, Bob Creamer and A.J. Pruitt. Honorary pallbearers were the Men's Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.
Interment was at Maplewood Cemetery.
