George Russell Pruitt

The Reverend George Russell Pruitt, Jr., 88, of Martinsville, VA, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024

after a brief illness. He was born on February 7, 1936, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late George Russell

Pruitt, Sr. and Nell Phillips Pruitt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Phillip

Reese Pruitt, his brother Stephen Pruitt, his sister Judy Putnam, and his daughter-in-law, Maria Pruitt.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Peggy Reese Pruitt; son George Russell Pruitt III; daughter

Joanna Pruitt Keyser (Steven); son Martin Stephen Pruitt (Karen); his sister Micki Little, and his seven

grandchildren: Kyle Heid (Kerrie), Sarah Beth Morrison (Gregory), Alex Pruitt, Zachary Keyser (Laura),

Carolyn Pruitt (Richard), Meagan Pruitt, and Chester Pruitt. He is also survived by seven great-

grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

George was the oldest of four children and came from humble origins in Gainesville, Georgia. He

attended Truett McConnell College, where he met his wife, Peggy. George and his wife were among the

first ten charter members of Church of the Resurrection in East Point, Georgia, which led to him being

called to move his family to Alexandria, Virginia to attend Virginia Theological Seminary in 1971. In the

years that followed his ordination as an Episcopal priest, he served at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in New

Martinsville, West Virginia; Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington, Virginia; Christ Episcopal Church

in Norway, Maine; St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Easley, South Carolina; and Holy Cross Episcopal

Church in Cumberland, Maryland. In 1996, he retired to Roanoke, Virginia, before moving to

Martinsville, Virginia in 2020. In retirement, it gave him great joy to fill in on occasional Sundays at most

of the churches within the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, including frequently presiding

over services at Christ Episcopal Church in Martinsville, Virginia and serving as interim priest for Christ

Episcopal Church in Blacksburg, Virginia. He also worked part-time for the Roanoke AIDS Project for

several years.

Driven by his insatiable curiosity, George pursued many hobbies and interests. Camping became a family

passion in the 1960s, carrying the Pruitts across the country in a succession of campers from Nova Scotia

down to Florida, and as far west as Wyoming. In addition to writing a library’s worth of sermons, George

also pursued carpentry, electronics, accounting, and even needlepoint. George’s love for design and

decoration came through in his tremendous Christmas celebrations, his carefully landscaped yards, and

countless home improvement projects.

George could connect with anyone, whether an old friend, or a stranger passing by his porch. He always

rooted for the underdog and the vulnerable. He had a passion for animals; he will be especially

delighted to reunite with his beloved golden retriever, Abraham. George was known for his exuberance

and passion and did not deny himself the expression of his feelings. His private struggles were intense

and left their marks on his life. Yet his deep laugh could be heard at the furthest pew, and he was easily

and frequently moved to tears of compassion.

George was extremely proud of his three children and their families and delighted in their

accomplishments. A devoted grandfather, he spent much of his retirement attending sports events,

plays, and graduations. Over the course of his life, he was honored to preside over numerous weddings

and baptisms for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His table was long, yet somehow

always crowded for seats. His absence will leave more than just an empty chair.

Every year, George loved to write a long Christmas card letter to send to family and friends far and wide,

which he always ended with the following John Denver lyrics to express his wishes for those he loved:

“…that peace on earth fills up your time, that brotherhood surrounds you. That you may know the

warmth of love and wrap it all around you.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00am at Christ Episcopal Church, 311

East Church St., Martinsville, VA 24112 with the Father John Adams officiating. The service will be

followed by a private graveside burial for the family.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville, Virginia, is serving the Pruitt family.