Earnest Pruitt

Earnest was born in Jolo, West Virginia on November 20th, 1946. He was the 4th child of 9 and the first in the family to graduate from High School which was Big Creek High School, War, West Virginia in June 1966. He also attended the McDowell County, WV Vocational School where he studied Electrical Engineering.

He enlisted in the US Army in the heat of the Vietnam War in September 1966. He attended Army Basic Training at Ft Jackson, South Carolina and Signal School at Ft Gordon, GA. He then spent two years with the Army in what was once West Germany and was Honorably Discharged at Fort Hood, Texas in September 1969.

Ernie married Wanda J Sladek of Taylor, Texas on November 20th, 1971 and they were married 53 years. Their two children are Earnest Pruitt Junior of Carrollton, TX (now deceased) and Molly (Shannon) Ziman of McKinney, TX.

Ernie was the owner operator of Inwood Exxon at the corner of Inwood Road and Denton Drive in Dallas, TX. He also owned and operated Pruitt’s Auto Care of 2513 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX. Combined he served the greater Dallas area for 46 years.

He enjoyed family and friends, telling jokes, supporting local youth sports, contributing to local law enforcement programs and was a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

In addition to his son Earnest Pruitt Junior, he is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Cora Pruitt of Carrollton, TX, his brothers Robert Arnold Pruitt and Bobby Pruitt, sister Theodosia Pruitt Brady, one niece and six nephews.

Earnest is survived by his wife Wanda, daughter Molly (Shannon) Ziman (David), granddaughters Bethany Certain (Gage), Bailey Pruitt, grandson Leo Ziman, great granddaughter Rubie Rae Certain, three brothers James Grant Pruitt, Gregory Verner Pruitt, Stevie Pruitt, two sisters Ruby Jean Avramovic, Diana Pruitt and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family will receive guests at Rhoton Funeral Home, 1511 South Interstate 35 E, Carrollton, TX from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, October 27th, 2025. Memorial Service will begin at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 28th in the chapel at Rhoton Funeral Home. The Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Ben Weiss of Grace Community Church, Fort Worth, Texas. Interment will be at Hilltop Memorial Park Mausoleum directly following the service.