Gordon R. Pruett

Waynesville-Gordon Rube Pruett, age 85, passed away at his residence on Jonathan Creek on Sunday, October 11, 2015, after a short illness. Gordon was born in Waynesville, where he lived all of his life, on July 15, 1930, to the late Grady and Eva Mills Pruett. He and his wife of 50 years, Dorothy who preceded him in death in 2004, devoted their lives to providing, protecting, and raising their children. They did the “work” of a successful marriage and creating a Godly home. He instilled in his children the importance of honesty and hard work, and he also taught them how to enjoy the rewards when the job is done. He will always be on our minds when we put the plants in the ground, turn on the pressure canner, put the pecan pies in the oven or take the boat up the lake, and bait a hook. “Pop,” as he was called by the men that he worked with, retired from Champion Paper Mill in Waynesville in 1994, after 32 years of service. He worked swing-shifts most all those years and it was not uncommon for the phone to ring to let his family know that he would be working a double. He never complained and was quick to remind that God was providing for us. True to his character, he had set the example for his family and others by working there 18 years, no matter how he felt, before missing his first day of work due to an injury on the job. In 2006, “Gordy,” as he came to be known, and Margie were married. It has truly made these last 9 years his “golden” years. Combining their two lives brought him lots of fun adventure, many days of joy, and new family and friends that he has loved like his own. Gordon, a member of Old Pathways Baptist Church, loved his church family dearly. His life-long church attendance was only a part of the evidence of his relationship with Jesus. He lived faithful to and relied on his Savior for every situation. He did it in a quiet and humble way that made everyone love him. His son, Shiron, pinned it well; Prayers were answered this morning when my father won his battle with cancer and went to be with our Heavenly Father. A race well ran and a battle well fought. We will miss, love, and cherish you for all the things you have done for us. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you, Daddy. In addition to his first wife and parents Gordon was preceded in death by a sister Irene Plemmons. Surviving are his current wife, Margie Pruett; sons, Donald Pruett and wife Deb, Shiron Pruett; daughters, Angela Baynard and husband Dean, Jameta Earley and husband Carroll; grandson, Javan Pruett and wife Patricia; granddaughter, Sarah Earley and great-granddaughter, Leah Pruett; grandchildren, Erin and Caleb Pruett. Also surviving are brothers, Clinton and Guy Pruett; and sisters Leoah Walton and Francis Hays. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 14, in the chapel of Garrett Funerals and Cremations with the Reverend Billy Ferguson, Reverend Carl Chastain and Reverend Chad Ellege officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, October 13, at the funeral home. Flowers are acceptable to those who desire.