William Leeon Pruett

Leeon was born on April 29, 1929 to Chester and Pearl Pruett in Bethlehem. After graduating from Winder High School in 1945, he went on to study business at Athens Business School.

After graduation, he soon landed a job as a driver for Gulf Oil, kicking off a career in the oil business that lasted well over a half century culminating in the creation of Pruett Oil Company. Leeon diversified his career by owning property around Barrow county and sitting on the board of two local banks.

In 1934, in the first grade, he met Frances Smith at Bethlehem school, and they wed in 1948. Leeon and Frances went on to have two children, Fran and Sandy. They were married for 70 years before she preceded him in death.

Leeon enjoyed skiing, fishing, and collecting vintage Fords. He was a seasoned Ham radio operator making contact with people in every state and many countries around the world. Leeon enjoyed hobby building, constructing a radio tower, windmill, and a fishing dock to name a few of his projects.

Leeon took his civic duty seriously. He was a Mason and a member of the Carter Hill Lodge for over 60 years. He was an active member of his church, supporting it with his time, talent, and tithe. He had a reputation as being a fair, even tempered, hard working business man.

Leeon was predeceased by his wife, Frances, daughter, Sandy, and brother, Lamar. He is survived by his sister, Hazel Allen, daughter, Fran, grandchildren, Libby and Lee, and four great grandchildren, Hannah, Lily, Finn, and Eli.

Funeral services will be held Thursday December 30, 2021 at 3pm at the Bethlehem First UMC. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bethlehem First UMC or to Masonic Children Home, Macon, Ga.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, has charge of arrangements.