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Submitted: 3/18/11 • Approved: 3/19/11 • Last Updated: 9/15/12 • R493351-G0-S3
US Navy
December 4, 1927 - September 6, 2009
Married Billye J Pruett November 7, 1948
The Morning News
Springdale, AR
September 9, 2009
FAYETTEVILLE — Wilford Rae Pruett, age 81, of Fayetteville died Sunday, September 6, 2009 at his home.
He was born December 4, 1927 in Plainview, TX the son of Hubert Fred Pruett and Silvia Maude Wilcox.
Will proudly served his country in the Navy aboard the USS Perry (DD844). Following his naval service, Will attended the University of Texas graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and completed his graduate degree in Commercial Banking from Stonier Graduate School, in cooperation with Rutgers University. He was employed as a senior executive in the banking industry throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas for 45 years.
During his business career, he served his community as a leader in numerous civic organizations, particularly the Chamber of Commerce. A lifelong member of the Baptist Church, Will was always an active participant as a deacon and in the music ministry. Most recently, he was a member of the University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, and the proud co-founder of Singing Men of Arkansas.
Since his retirement in 1995, Will's life was centered around family, friends and church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Billye Jean (Marshall) Pruett, whom he married on November 7, 1948. Children: Susan and Anthony Stamilio of Arlington, VA; David and Phyllis Pruett of Virginia Beach, VA and Marshall and Lita Pruett of Allen, TX. Grandchildren: Amy and Andy McCoy of Syracuse, NY; Dana Stamilio of Alexandria, VA; Kent and Kathryn Pruett of Richmond, VA; Laura Pruett of Virginia Beach, VA; Kate Pruett and Tina Pruett of Denver, CO and Ryan Pruett of Allen, TX. Great grandchildren: Ruby McCoy of Syracuse, NY and Nolan Pruett of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by his brother George Pruett, with his wife Ella, of Richardson, TX, and his sister Mary Woodard, with her husband Raymond, of Seminole, TX. Tommy Marshall, with his wife Hedy Marshall, of Huntsville, AR and Larry Marshall, with his wife Majell, of Harrah, OK are the surviving brothers of Billye Pruett. Dozens of nieces and nephews join in the family's loss.
Funeral services will be held at noon Friday at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, with Pastor H D McCarty officiating and musical performance by Singing Men of Arkansas. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Fayetteville under the direction of Moore's Chapel.
Visitation: Thursday evening at Moore's Chapel from 5 to 7 PM
Please sign the online guestbook by visiting mooresfuneralchapel.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to:
Wilford R. Pruett Memorial Fund of Singing Men of Arkansas, 1935 Willow Ridge Ave.
Springdale, AR 72764.
Contributed on 3/18/11 by nailgal123
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Record #: 493351