Lee or “Poppa”, as he was known by his grandchildren, was the patriarch of the Pruitt/Whittington clan. He was known for his resilience and charming personality. Lee was always positive and generous. He was devoted to his lifelong friends and family.
He grew up in San Antonio , the Philippines, and Shelbyville, Indiana the son of an Army doctor and a nurse. After graduating from Indiana University, he and his wife, Jo Ann Disser, moved their young family to Texas.
He went to work in medical sales for Will Ross Inc in 1952. Many awards followed his successful career in the medical sales field. He won the Lee Walter Award from the Health Industry Representatives Association (H.I.R.A.) and was that organization's past president. In 1972 he started his own business E-P Industries with his friend Robert Elliot and moved to Houston.
On October 13, 1984 he married the love of his life, Shirley Whittington, and they successfully blended their two families: Lee’s children, Merri and Randy ,and Shirley’s 3 boys, Jay, Guy, and Clay.
Lee and Shirley built a home in Bentwater, a community on Lake Conroe, where they entertained their friends and relatives with great style especially at Christmas. Their Christmas tree was famous! They loved travel and fine dining, and Lee loved to cook out and make waffles for his house guests. He played golf and poker with his friends.
After retirement , the dynamic duo's generosity extended to many charities around Montgomery. They were involved with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Montgomery County Performing Arts Society (M.C.P.A.S.), the Crighton Theater, Young Texas Artists Music Competition, and The Assistance League . Lee was also involved with the Salvation Army and activities at the Montgomery United
Methodist Church.
Leland was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Whittington Pruitt, his sister Linda Fuller, his son Leland Randall Pruitt, and his daughter, Terri Lee Pruitt. He is survived by his daughter Merri Pruitt Littleton (husband Jimmy) of Houston; brother Tom Pruitt, (wife Nancy and daughter Sarah Pruitt), of Tulsa; brother Bill Pruitt of Austin; granddaughter Terri Beth Pruitt of Plantersville; stepsons, Jason
Whittington (wife Kelly) , Guy Whittington (wife Bari) and Clay Whittington, and Whittington grandchildren Madison, Jax, Chandler and Reid, all of Houston area; niece Sue Teman of Michigan; and nephew Jeff Fuller of Indiana.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Farrington of Tanglewood, and Trinity hospice for their devotion to Lee during the last year and a half.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society, or to the Assistance League of Montgomery, County, 126 N. San Jacinto St. Conroe, TX 77301.
A celebration of Lee's life will be held on October 30 at 11:00 AM at Montgomery United Methodist Church, with Pastor David Lindwall officiating. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on the website of Metcalf Funeral Directors.
