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George Pruitt Obituary
Simpsonville
George Herman Pruitt, Jr., of Simpsonville, passed away April 10, 2017. Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late George Herman Pruitt, Sr. and Winona Traynham Pruitt.
Mr. Pruitt attended Wade Hampton High School and the University of Georgia. He served in the United States Army with the 25th Infantry Division. He began a cotton career with W.B. Dunavant & Co. and attended Murdoch's International Cotton School. Later he worked at Pruitt Cotton Co., Eastern Trading Co., and Allenburg Cotton Company. He served as President of the Atlantic Cotton Shippers Association and its Directors Board. He also served on the Board of the Greenville Cotton Exchange. Mr. Pruitt was passionate about the cotton business and every aspect of it. He loved his work, family and friends.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Rachael Carroll and his loving wife, Barbara Doster Pruitt.
Surviving is his son, Russell Traynham Pruitt of Simpsonville; a step-son, Justin Donald Gordon and his wife Ellen Gordon; two step-grandsons, Jude and Mose Gordon; two sisters, Ann Pruitt Schiavon (Louis) and Jan Pruitt Haas (Jay); and a brother, Dillard Traynham Pruitt (Susan). He was loved by many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm, in the Chapel of Mackey Mortuary. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Ave., Columbus, GA 31906 or to the charity of one's choice.
The Mackey Mortuary. Online guest registry at www.mackeymortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Pruitt
Sponsored by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive.
Charles Little
April 4, 2019
A year later, we in the cotton industry still regularly refer back to George and sorely miss him. Here's a quick memory I'll share. My employer, Mount Vernon, always depended on getting better cotton that we specified. With the 2015 crop, we were distraught that a high percentage of cotton received was the lower quality we allowed for but hoped not to get. George, colorfully worded and with a smile on his face, set me straight, saying: "what the "heck' did we expect; you got what you paid for." His sage advice was always appreciated and both my wife Janie and I were very fond of George. His spirit lives on in all of us. Charles Little
Bruce Darling
May 26, 2017
I just heard the news yesterday....I am heartbroken. I met George in Memphis in probably 1974...later that year I came to visit him in Greenville... We played golf at Green Valley while his dad rode in the cart following us. He was my best friend in the cotton business period. Jan, I'm so sorry I missed his passing...he is a big reason I ended up in Greenville and have the family and friends I have today....George, enjoy a scotch and please cut down on that back swing. Bruce
Danny Pino
April 18, 2017
George was one of the most knowledgeable men in the cotton industry that I have ever met and his opinion and advice was highly regarded by many. I am saddened and will miss our conversations, but I am honored and glad that I was blessed with the opportunity to get to know him over the years and I considered him a good friend. Most respectfully, God bless
Mindy Metcalf Cornelison
April 17, 2017
Ann , Jan & Dillard, I am so saddened to read the news of your brother George. And I have just read it and am so sorry I didn't know earlier so I could have come today to the service. He finished Wade Hampton with my brother Mike. Jan, I was actually at the golf tournament yesterday in Duluth & my brother Mark spoke to Jay. But Jay doesn't know us Metcalf's & our history growing up!! Once again, I am so sorry. Sending love & hugs to you all. Mindy
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Mike Surett
April 17, 2017
George was one of my best friends in high school. George, I will miss you even though we lost contact with each other. Over the years I have thought many time about how my old buddy was doing. God bless you and rest in peace.
Bo Matheny
April 17, 2017
I was truly sorry to learn of George's passing. From our early days of football & friendship at WHHS, I always considered him a friend and thought him and his entire family to be really good people. He always seemed upbeat, and was a pleasure to be around. I hope some blessings can be found in that his suffering is over. My thoughts & prayers are with his many friends and family, to whom I extend my sincere condolences.
Tom Boone
April 16, 2017
Just returned from and extended vacation to learn that my old friend George has moved on to be with our Lord. Met George and the Pruitt family many years ago at Green Valley Country Club. George and I enjoyed a number of rounds of golf together. I could never beat him, come to think about it I could not beat any of the Pruitt's or there family members. Maybe I should challenge Jan. George was one of those people that was always fun to be around. A Gentleman in every respect. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family.
Gwyn Newsom
April 14, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew George and Barbara years ago when I moved back to Columbus, GA with my one-year-old son Grady (who is now 28). George and Barbara used to babysit Grady for me at times, and George thrilled Grady with his wonderful sense of humor and playfulness. Grady still has the miniature cotton bale that George gave him. I last saw George at the lawyers' memorial service for Barbara and hoped that he would beat this thing. I just lost my own husband Richard Bunn to lung cancer in December 2016, after fighting the good fight for 2 1/2 years. My sincerest sympathy to George's family. Gwyn Newsom
April 14, 2017
George you will surely be missed as a member of our family, a dear friend and working with you in the cotton business. I remember all the good times at the beach with all of our cotton buddies. Wonderful golf games through the years it was a great time in our lives. God speed dear cousin.
Jack Traynham
Debbie Pabst Marchant
April 14, 2017
My sympathy to the family.
Respectfully, Pabst WHHS '70
Deborah Pabst Marchant
379 Golden Bear Drive, J2
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Bobby Self
April 14, 2017
Sorry to hear about your loss and we be praying for you and your family. Bobby and Lana Self
Brock Lyon
April 13, 2017
I first met George when I started in the cotton trade in 1983. Even though George worked for a competitor, he was one of my first true friends in the the cotton business. I will always remember when we first met and was instantly impressed.
George will be missed by us all. Also, and very important, he was always entertaining and a pleasure to play golf with. The only guy I know that had a dime sized worn out spot on all his irons !
Otis
April 13, 2017
Will miss you my friend; you were an inspiration to us all.
Otis
April 13, 2017
Will miss you, my friend; you were an inspiration to us all.
Sandy Aaron
April 13, 2017
It was a brighter day when George was in the office at Allenberg. His smile was infectious to all who knew him. I am sorry for your loss and I hope that you find comfort in your faith and your memories. Deepest condolences.
Jim Pacileo
April 13, 2017
Thanks George for sharing your experience with me and teaching me about the cotton business and sharing life. You inspired me to be thankful for each day, to fight the good fight and extend a hand to someone in need. Prayers and Blessings to your family for comfort and healing. Jim Pacileo - Allenberg Cotton
Jeater Forrest
April 12, 2017
Dear family, you have my deepest sympathy. It seems like just yesterday that he was running around here at his Grandfather Traynams Paris Mountain Golf Course. He will be missed. Love, Jeater Forrest
Bobby Miller
April 12, 2017
George will always be remembered for his warm smile and caring approach to life in general. Never knew anyone who ever had a bad thing to say about him.. a true gentleman and friend from high school. Rest in peace old friend.
Bobby Miller
Class 69 WHHS
Patricia McMillan Parkinson
April 12, 2017
Deepest sympathy for George and his family. I recall our days at WHHS. Prayers and wishes for the family.
Angel Dillard
April 12, 2017
I am very sad to hear of George's passing. I worked with him at Allenberg Cotton for 20+ years before I left Memphis. George was a very kind hearted, upbeat, funny, loving man. I have many memories and stories with George. God has truly gotten a special angel. My prayers and thoughts go out to each and everyone of his friends and family. His smile will forever be in my heart. :)
Martha Bowen
April 12, 2017
We are at such a loss for words with George's passing. He was such a dear friend to our entire family. George will always be remembered for his big heart, wonderful attitude and love of family and friends. Love and prayers to his entire family. -Bill, Martha, Sarah and Carolanne Bowen
Ray (Columbo) Thornton
April 11, 2017
Although I have been away from the cotton business for nearly twenty years, I remember the special people that I had the pleasure of knowing during my 25+ years of cotton. George is one of those people. He never said an unkind word about anyone and always had a positive influence to all who were blessed to know him. Praying for comfort for all of his family.
Ray and Carol Bain Thornton
Michael Ward
April 11, 2017
I first met George when I squidged for him at Dunavant in Memphis. He kept me laughing, but even then he knew his trade well. When Betty and I moved to Greenville, he was one of the first to greet and acclimate us to our new home. He was a kind soul who never changed no matter what life dealt him, and we are proud to have known him.
Mark & Tammy Traynham
April 11, 2017
With our deepest sympathy. George was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 11, 2017
George has been a friend of ours since before we were married. He was the most loyal friend we've ever known and I will miss his emails.....he wrote great emails.....He loved his friends and family more than anything and his faith kept US going through all his trials. We will treasure this last weekend we spent with him. He ate she crab soup and hit a couple of golf balls! Rest In Peace my dear friend. Love, Gigi and Carlisle Hamrick
Monty Bain
April 11, 2017
One of the Great Cotton Men gone. I've known George Pruitt for nearly 50 years. His family and my parents were friends when Cotton was truely King ! I will miss you ole buddy. Until we meet again, George !
Monty & Becky Bain ( Dadeville, Alabama )
George center back row--Wade Hampton High School--Northside Methodist Church
Jim Shaughnessy
April 10, 2017
Charles & Janie Little
April 10, 2017
Missing our good friend and fellow cotton comrade. While I knew George for just 18 months, in short order I valued his counsel and friendship. He had such a positive attitude. Condolences to all his family, who will surely sorely miss him. With adoration & great respect,
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Memorial Events
for George Pruitt
Apr
17
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Apr
17
Memorial service
2:00 p.m.
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Funeral services provided by:
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
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